Fergie - Tevez was marvellous

Argentine gives United manager a problem after cup exploits

Last updated: 4th December 2008

Carlos Tevez Manchester United Blackburn Rovers Carling Cup Quarter Final

Tevez: Superb performance

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Sir Alex Ferguson admits he could not have asked for 'a better performance' after Carlos Tevez inspired Manchester United to a 5-3 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Argentine striker Tevez grasped his opportunity in the United starting line-up by being credited with four goals, and setting up Nani for the other, as the 2006 winners reached the Carling Cup semi-finals.

Tevez has been more of a peripheral figure at Old Trafford this season following the signing of Dimitar Berbatov, but his display against Blackburn delighted his manager.

"It was marvellous, the energy and commitment was absolutely brilliant," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"I don't think you could ask for a better performance than that - four goals and a very committed performance, and I am very pleased with that."

Youngsters earn praise

Ferguson again gave youngsters such as Rodrigo Possebon and Darron Gibson a chance in his team, and he is happy with his options approaching the second half of the season.

He added: "I think the young players have had an opportunity now in the games against Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers and tonight against Blackburn.

"They will have learned something, but we will learn more. We will learn more about their temperament, their ability to play in front of crowds and taking their chance when they get their chance, and they have done that.

"I'm very, very pleased with that and it adds to my squad in terms of when we come into the second half of the season, and I think we have something like eight games in 26 days, so I've got the squad able to cope with that."

United appeared to be cruising at 4-1, only for Matt Derbyshire and Benni McCarthy to briefly rock the hosts before Tevez scored a fifth in stoppage-time.

Ferguson continued: "It shouldn't have ended up that way with eight goals. We lost three goals in the second half and with the last two there was a lot of carelessness about our play.

"By that time we were enjoying ourselves and there was a sort of carnival atmosphere. We were playing good football, but we could have got a cold there.

"Fortunately, Carlos wrapped it up in the final minute with a fantastic goal. We're in the semi-finals and I think we deserve to be in it."