United 5 Blackburn 3

to pressure the Blackburn backline with Carlos Tevez, having worked space on the edge of the box, chancing his luck with a sizzling effort that flew just over Paul Robinson’s crossbar.

Foster had to be alert at the other end when he claimed a low swerving Keith Treacy effort from 20 yards on 29 minutes. Five minutes later, the England international was called into action once more, tipping over a curling Brett Emerton shot following a well-worked short corner.

Nine minutes before the break United gained the advantage, but there was some debate as to who got the final touch on Giggs’ right wing free-kick. Tevez and Aaron Mokoena both dived to meet the inswinging centre with a combination of the two contriving to send the ball into the net. Tevez wheeled away to celebrate and claim his third goal of the campaign.

There was no question of the Argentine’s part in United’s second goal which arrived on 40 minutes. Nani collected possession on the left wing before turning and cutting inside. A one-two with Tevez was followed by a fine low finish under Robinson.

The Portuguese winger came within a whisker of doubling his tally seconds after the restart as United looked to put the tie beyond doubt. Tevez crossed from the right to Giggs who saw his effort blocked by a last-ditch challenge from Mokoena. Nani looked certain to score from the follow-up, but Robinson reacted brilliantly to deny him.

Two minutes later the visitors were thrown a lifeline by half-time substitute