Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, described last night’s 4-0 demolition of Manchester United as “unforgettable” as the Premiership strugglers booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Grant, who led Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last season, has been under growing pressure with the Hammers rooted to the foot of the league table.

But strikes from Jonathan Spector (2) and Carlton Cole (2) eased the tension and completed a memorable victory over the holders.

Grant said: “I thought we could win but this is still an unbelievable result. I didn't expect the nature of this victory.

"We continued to do what we did when we lost games and everybody said we needed to change something.

"We didn't change anything. I'm very proud, and very happy."