Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole both scored twice as West Ham thrashed reigning champions Manchester United 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup, while Arsenal also made the last four by beating Wigan 2-0 yesterday.

United, were looking to win England’s second-tier competition for a third year running but a side made of largely of reserves came unstuck in bitterly cold conditions at Upton Park.

United States defender Jonathan Spector, who used to play for United, scored a first-half brace before Cole added two more after the break for West Ham, which is bottom of England’s top division.

United made ten changes to their starting team and one of those players recalled, Gabriel Obertan, saw a seventh-minute shot tipped onto the post by Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green.

West Ham were denied the lead in the 16th when Victor Obinna’s shot, which deflected in off Spector, was ruled out for offside aggainst the American player.

Arsenal are now the favourites for the competition, with an Antolin Alcaraz own goal and Nicklas Bendtner’s close-range finish seeing off Wigan.

The other two quarter-finals will be played today, with Birmingham hosting fierce local rivals Aston Villa and Ipswich — the only non-Premier League team left in the competition — at home to West Bromwich Albion.