After watching his young side sweep away Tottenham in the Carling Cup last night, Sir Alex Ferguson tipped them to break into the top four this season.

Ferguson's youthful Manchester United outfit cruised into the Carling Cup semi-finals for the fifth time in eight years thanks to Darron Gibson's brilliant first-half brace.

"We have to look upon this as a really good win for us," said the United boss.

"Tottenham have improved tremendously and look as if they are going to push for the top four."

He added: "They have a strong squad and the lads who came in for them tonight did very well. We have played a good team so I have to be pleased."