Darron Gibson's brace against Tottenham saw Manchester United clinch a place in semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Darron Gibson was the hero as holders Manchester United clinched a place in semi-finals of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 victory against Tottenham at Old Trafford.

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

Gibson, making a rare start, showed marvellous composure with both efforts 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. The first-time shot was lethal, flying like an arrow in the top corner and giving 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 corner to seal the win.

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.