The defending champions were denied a hat-trick of Carling Cup crowns after the Premier League leaders suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat away to bottom of the table West Ham in sub-zero temperatures on Tuesday night.
United, who have lifted the trophy for the past two seasons, were two goals behind even before half-time after United reject Jonathan Spector struck twice, and English striker Carlton Cole added a double midway through the second-half to seal a memorable
night for the Hammers.
In last nights other quarter-final, also between two Premier League sides, Arsenal beat Wigan 2-0 across London at the Emirates Stadium thanks to an Antolin Alcaraz own-goal and a second-half effort from forward Nicklas Bendtner.
American defender Spector who was playing in his new role in midfield had yet to score in his six years professional career but scored twice before 40 minutes against United, who came into this contest on a high after trouncing Blackburn Rovers 7-1. But,
United came crashing down to earth at Uptown Park against a committed West Ham side.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, rotated his players and made 10 changes to the side that beat Rovers, with only Anderson remaining in starting line-up.
Ferguson was unapologetic over his decision to field a young side, told Sky Sports: "We made a few errors on the goals and really you can't give away goals like that, even though they are young.
Under pressure West Ham boss Avram Grant, was asked if this result combined with last weekend's 3-1 league win over Wigan marked a turning point for the East London side, said:
“I hope so but we have been continuing our process of developing our quality football.”
In the 22nd minute, Victor Obinna, on loan from Inter Milan, saw his chip headed in by Spector and West Ham were rewarded again in the 37th minute when Fabio's attempted clearance fell into the path of Spector, who curled in a neat finish from close range.
The Hammers extended their lead when the in-form Obinna's excellent cross was headed in by Cole in the 56th minute before the same duo combined 10 minutes later for West Ham's fourth goal.
Arsenal continued their revival against Wigan and are now favourites to win their first major trophy since 2005 after United's exit but manager Arsene Wenger isn’t complacent:
"You have seen it in the Premier League, and tonight (Tuesday) with West Ham, it can happen to Manchester United, to Chelsea and to us this season.
Arsenal were guilty of missing a host of chances before going ahead three minutes before interval when Wigan captain Alcaraz scored an own goal from Theo Walcott’s corner while under pressure from Bendtner.
Danish hit man Bendtner was on the score sheet wrapped as Arsenal up victory in the 67th minute when he turned in a low cross from Carlos Vela.
Wigan’s defeat was made worse when striker Victor Moses fell awkwardly and was carried off due to a shoulder injury. He is expected to be out for several weeks.
Tonight's last eight ties see a mouth-watering Birmingham derby between Premier League pair Birmingham and Aston Villa while West Bromwich Albion take on Roy keane’s Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Roy Keane is under increasing pressure to turn things around
after four defeats in a row and is focused on his present job.
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