Carling Cup Round-Up:Darron Gibson was the unlikely hero as holders Manchester United clinched a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 victory over Spurs, while Aston Villa denied Portsmouth 4-2.

The 22-year-old midfielder scored both goals in a re-run of last season's final – when United won on penalties - as Tottenham again finished second best.

The Republic of Ireland international, making a rare start for United, showed great composure with both efforts in the 17th and 38th minutes to put United firmly in control.

Only 16 minutes were on the clock when Anderson cut in from the left flank and rolled a pass invitingly into Gibson's path 25 yards out. He pulled the trigger and the first-time shot curled into the bottom corner to give Heurelho Gomes no chance.

Gibson's second was another gem.

Park Ji-sung started the move, Dimitar Berbatov took it on, then Gibson got involved, playing a smart one-two with Danny Welbeck before curling another first-time shot into the opposite top corner to seal the win.

Jermain Defoe tested United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak in the seventh minute and had a great chance in the 21st when he found space at the back post only to be denied by the rock-steady Nemanja Vidic in defence.

In the night's other last-eight encounter, Stewart Downing scored on his first start for Aston Villa to help send them into the semi-finals at the expense of Portsmouth with a resounding 4-2 win.

Downing suffered a fractured foot in May, against Villa while playing for Middlesbrough, but boss Martin O'Neill deemed him ready for a starting place after making his debut as a substitute last month, and the summer signing wrapped up victory at Fratton Park.

Stiliyan Petrov's early own goal was cancelled out by Emile Heskey's equaliser, with James Milner establishing a lead for the visitors before Downing struck late on.

Kanu pulled one back to set up an exciting finale but Ashley Young made sure of victory for the visitors at the death.

Darron Gibson fired holders Manchester United through to the last four of the English League Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford that ended Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of a third successive final.

Big-spending Manchester City host Arsenal while league leaders Chelsea travel to Blackburn Rovers for tomorrow's remaining quarter-finals.