Tevez has struggled to hold down a regular place since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov but the Argentina international showed his class with a dazzling man-of-the-match performance as Manchester United overcame Blackburn to clinch a place in the Carling Cup semi-finals with a 5-3 win.

And despite there being some debate as to whether his first goal went in off Blackburn midfielder Aaron Mokoena, the striker was in no doubt about his match haul.

"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 Tevez's opener long after the final whistle.

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

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs' majestic 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 a month ago, lost their concentration at 4-1, to allow their opponents to score twice and were fearing an equaliser.

"It was quite unbelievable at the end," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We created a lot of chances and we got a bit careless because we don't want to be losing goals like that. But overall I am quite pleased."

Ferguson admitted his job is getting more difficult as a consequence of his side's Carling Cup run.

And, as Brazilian youngsters Rafael and Rodrigo Possebon also impressed, along with fellow countryman Anderson, Ferguson admitted he has some selection dilemmas looming.

"The great bonus for me is that we have players who are now coming into form," said the United boss.

"Carlos Tevez scored four times tonight and produced a marvellous performance, as did Anderson and Jonny Evans.

"It definitely makes my job more difficult, although it also makes the club stronger."

It also means potential solutions to United's fixture backlog have been blocked, with the Red Devils committed to a couple of midweek dates in January as they bid to reach Wembley.

Little wonder Ferguson has confirmed his squad will remain as it is, with the return of Paul Scholes after two months out with a knee injury, particularly timely.

"It is like having an extra player," said Ferguson of the 34-year-old's return.

"The semi-final gives us two extra matches to play and finding dates for the games against Fulham and Wigan is not going to be easy.

"But the good thing is we have a big strong squad who will all be staying with us.

"None of them are going to leave on loan because we are going to need them."