Snow ball for Hammers

ALEX FERGUSON was hoping his latest batch of fledglings would go on to dominate the English game — but on the evidence of this display, they still need a long way to go before they challenge for major silverware.

On a frozen night in the east end of London, his young players were made to look second best by a West Ham team who are rooted to the foot of the Premier League and ran out comfortable winners to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and end United’s longest unbeaten run for 11 years.

Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole both scored two goals apiece to make it a night to remember for the West Ham supporters who have suffered turmoil over the last couple of years.