Carabao Cup: Manchester United thrash Leicester 5-2, Spurs knock City out

Manchester United responded to the firing of Erik ten Hag by thrashing Leicester City 5-2 in the English League Cup, while Tottenham Hotspur eliminated Manchester City in the last 16 on Wednesday.

In Short

• Man Utd beat Leicester 5-2 under interim manager Van Nistelrooy
• Tottenham knocks out Manchester City 2-1 amid City's injury woes
• All League Cup quarterfinalists are Premier League teams

Manchester United responded emphatically to Erik ten Hag's recent departure, dismantling Leicester City with a 5-2 victory in the English League Cup's last 16. United took command of the game early, scoring four goals in the first 38 minutes in a display that showcased the kind of incisive attack often absent under the Dutch manager.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker and Ten Hag's assistant, took the reins as interim manager and guided United to this exhilarating win. United's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro led the charge, scoring twice in the first half, including a stunning long-range strike from 30 meters that found the top corner. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes also contributed to the early goal spree, with Fernandes adding another in the second half to secure a fifth goal for United.

"It is clear that this is going to be short term," Van Nistelrooy said post-match. "So for me, today was the most important day after what happened. Credit to the players-they were fantastic."

United appear close to signing Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as a permanent replacement for Ten Hag.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur eliminated Premier League leader Manchester City, winning 2-1 in a tense clash that saw early goals from Timo Werner and Pape Sarr. Despite City's Matheus Nunes scoring just before halftime, Tottenham held on, aided by City's struggles with injuries. Key players Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish are sidelined, and on the night, City lost Manuel Akanji and Savinho, the latter in tears as he was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the 63rd minute.

"We are in a difficult position with the amount of players," City manager Pep Guardiola said after the match, acknowledging the toll the injuries are taking on his squad.

Liverpool continued its title defense, narrowly overcoming Brighton 3-2. Dutch forward Cody Gakpo was instrumental, scoring twice before Luis Diaz's late goal sealed the win. Liverpool now faces Southampton in the quarterfinals.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United defeated Chelsea 2-0 through an Alexander Isak goal and an own goal from Chelsea's Axel Disasi. Crystal Palace, bolstered by a debut performance from American goalkeeper Matt Turner, defeated Aston Villa 2-1, with goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada.

Arsenal rounded out the Premier League-only quarterfinal lineup, dispatching second-tier Preston 3-0 with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, and Kai Havertz.

League Cup Quarterfinal Draw:
Tottenham vs. Manchester United
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs. Brentford
Southampton vs. Liverpool
For the first time in 14 years, all quarterfinal slots are filled by Premier League clubs, setting the stage for a thrilling run-in to the League Cup title. Liverpool, the current holders with a record 10 titles, and the resurgent Manchester United will be among the heavy favorites as the