Man Utd 5
Blackburn 3

Headaches were commonplace at Old Trafford last night but Paul Ince's could drag on into the New Year.

Sir Alex Ferguson has the traditional ailment which accompanies a stunning performance from a player on the fringes of his squad.

Does he stick with Carlos Tevez for United's next Premier League fixture against Sunderland on Saturday, or recall the club's record signing Dimitar Berbatov?

For Tevez, who before last night had more yellow cards than goals for United this season, the worry is over whether he will be awarded a fourth goal to go with his undisputed hat-trick.

But it is Ince's condition which will provoke the most discussion after Rovers fans turned on the manager at the ground where the Guv'nor once ruled supreme.

Ince was treated to chants of 'You're Getting Sacked In The Morning' and 'You Don't Know What You're Doing' as his miserable start to coaching in the top-flight goes from bad to worse.

Tevez has found his Manchester United appearances restricted since the arrival of Berbatov and Blackburn felt the full force of his frustration as United joined Tottenham, Burnley and Derby in the Carling Cup semi-finals.

"Carlos's commitment was absolutely brilliant," said Ferguson.

"It was a marvellous effort to get four goals. It definitely makes my job more difficult, although it also makes the club stronger."

Tevez was equally delighted with the outcome and hopes it will lead to more regular action.

"I am very proud to score four goals," said Tevez. "It is the first time I have done it in my career and it is better because it came for Manchester United.

"I have not played very often, so I was looking forward to the game and I am happy with my performance."

Debate was still raging over Tevez's opener long after the final whistle.

Fortunately, the outcome of his far-post duel with Aaron Mokoena cannot cost the Argentine a hat-trick as he netted from the penalty spot just after the break and thrashed in another at the end.

In between, Tevez finished off the move of the match, started by Ryan Giggs' majestic back-heel and involving a series of passes between himself and Anderson.

Nani also got his name on the scoresheet even though United, just as they did against Hull a month ago, lost their concentration at 4-1.

They allowed their opponents to score twice, through a second goal from Benni McCarthy and one from Matt Derbyshire, and were, at one stage, fearing an equaliser.

"It was quite unbelievable at the end," said Ferguson. "We created a lot of chances and we got a bit careless because we don't want to be losing goals like that. But overall I am quite pleased."

Ferguson could also reflect on the return of veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after two months out with a knee injury even if January's two-legged semi-final does not help United's fixture pile-up.

Ince can only wish for such problems. With only one win in 11 now, he is under intense pressure, with the majority of supporters who did make the short journey venting their frustration at half-time.

"I said at half-time the next goal was important," said Ince.

"We did that, with a great finish from Benni (McCarthy), but then we gave away a penalty straight away. You can't do that at any level, never mind against Manchester United."