League Cup: Manchester United defeated Everton and prepared the semi-finals against City. Tottenham reach the final four after beating Stoke

The Manchester United players celebrate after scoring in the quarter-final of the English League Cup against Everton. AP

Manchester United face bitter rivals Manchester City after a dramatic 2-0 win at Everton in the League Cup semifinals, while Tottenham joined them on Wednesday with a win over Stoke in their last four games.

United dominated the quarter-finals at Goodison Park for a long time, but it wasn’t until the 88th minute for Edinson Cavani to break the impasse.

The former Paris Saint Germain striker’s fourth goal for United since his free transfer in October came at the same point he opened his account for the club last month.

Anthony Martial scored United’s second goal in stoppage time.

“Cavani’s finish wasn’t bad! He’s an excellent striker. We know that when we defend well, we have players to win us the game,” said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“The spirit in the camp is good and this will give us a boost into the Christmas season.”

United have regained their balance after a difficult period where questions about Solskjaer’s future were raised after being eliminated from the Champions League.

They are third in the Premier League and have won their last three games in all competitions.

United last raised their cutlery when they won the Europa League in 2017.

Solskjaer, who won nine major trophies as a United player, took command at Old Trafford in 2018 and lost in three semi-finals last season.

He now has a chance to get even better this season after United beating City in their last four games.

United were beaten by City in the same stage of competition last season and Solskjaer said: “We’re in the semi-finals so we’re one step away.”

“It’s the worst game to lose, a semi-final. We’ll do everything we can to get to this game in good shape.”

Tottenham and second division Brentford meet in the other semifinals. The games will be played over one leg in the week from January 4th.

Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were the only United players to keep their seats after beating Leeds 6-2 over the weekend. Paul Pogba returned to the starting grid.

With just two minutes left of the penalty shoot-out, Martial slid a pass to Cavani who, from the edge of the field, put an excellent strike past Everton’s goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Martial then practically shot home with the last kick.

Cavani’s goal came after slapping Yerry Mina in the face at the start of the game, but there was no VAR available to possibly punish him.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “The rules were that VAR wasn’t in this game. If the referee decided Cavani didn’t do anything wrong we have to accept it. Period.”

Alli blew up

Jose Mourinho accused Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli of causing “problems” for his own team in the 3-1 win over Stoke.

Wales forward Gareth Bale took advantage of a rare start to put Mourinho’s team ahead at Bet365 Stadium.

But Alli was to blame when his flamboyant flick was intercepted ahead of Jordan Thompson’s equalizer for Stoke.

Alli’s recent mistake sparked an angry reaction from Mourinho, who reprimanded the star before replacing it minutes later.

Ben Davies put Tottenham back in front with his first goal since 2017 before England captain Harry Kane secured Spurs’ spot in the semi-finals.

But it was Alli’s public dressing that got the spotlight as the England international’s miserable season hit a new low on its first start since November 26th.

“Yes, for me a player who plays in this position is a player who has to connect and create and not create problems for his own team,” said Mourinho, who exiled Alli for a long time this season, while speaking of a move to Paris St. Germain.

“In this situation an objective counterattack would likely end in a goal and a counterattack behind our defenders. So yeah, I’m upset.”