Tevez joy at hat-trick

Carlos cracker: Tevez celebrates

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Carlos Tevez hailed a night to remember after claiming the first hat-trick of his Manchester United career.

Tevez has struggled to hold down a regular place since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov but the Argentina international turned in a man-of-the-match performance in United's 5-3 win over Blackburn.

The victory puts Tevez and the Red Devils within touching distance of a place in the Carling Cup final.

The Argentine had a hand in all five United strikes and was even hoping to claim a fourth goal even though the first of the evening appeared to go in off Blackburn midfielder Aaron Mokoena.

"I am very proud to score four goals," said Tevez.

"It is the first time I have done it in my career and it is better because it came for Manchester United.

"I have not played very often, so I was looking forward to the game and I am happy with my performance."

Debate was still raging over United's opener long after the final whistle.

Fortunately, the outcome of Tevez's far-post duel with Mokoena cannot cost the Argentine a hat-trick as he netted from the penalty spot just after the break and thrashed home another at the end.

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs' back-heel and involving a series of passes between Anderson and his fellow South American, who was presented with a tap-in.

Nani also got his name on the scoresheet before United, just as they did against Hull City a month ago, lost their concentration at 4-1, to allow their opponents to score twice in the closing stages.