Manchester United crashed out of the Carling Cup when they were thumped 4-0 by the Premier League’s bottom side West Ham United at Upton Park.
United, who rested a number of their star players but still fielded several internationals, were second best throughout as West Ham claimed a place in the semifinals.
Nineteen league places separate leaders United from West Ham, but the Carling Cup brought out the best in the home side, who romped to a stunning victory.
Former United player Jonathan Spector scored the first two goals inside the first 40 minutes, one with a header and the second with a simple finish from close range.
Then striker Carlton Cole put the game beyond United’s reach with the third and fourth goals in the second-half. The defeat was United’s first in all competitions this season and ended their hopes of claiming the first silverware of the season.
Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 in the night’s other tie to book their place in the semifinals.
