London – Ben Foster kept Manchester United’s bid for an unprecedented five trophies on track with a man-of-the-match performance in a penalty shoot- out win over Spurs in the League Cup final here yesterday.

The England goalkeeper produced two crucial saves to deny Tottenham victory in open play, when the teams finished locked at 0-0, before pulling off a superb stop to keep out Jamie O’Hara’s opening penalty for the visitors.

That handed United the edge and, after David Bentley had sent Spurs’ third spot-kick wide, Brazilian midfielder Anderson coolly converted to ensure United won the shoot-out 4-1 and lifted the trophy for only the third time in the club’s history.

Having already bagged the World Club Championship in December, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now have a chance to emulate the great Celtic side of 1967 by completing a domestic treble as well as bringing home the European Cup

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: “ It was a great performance and it came down to a lottery in the end with penalties. Spurs were forced to play without Jonathan Woodgate, who had an Achilles problem.

The lure of making history did not prevent Ferguson from keeping faith with the homegrown talents – Jonny Evans, Gibson and Danny Welbeck – who had formed the spine of his side on the road to Wembley.

The same principle was applied to the likes of Nani and Carlos Tevez, for whom the competition has offered respite from the frustration of bit-part roles on bigger stages.

Aston Villa 2, Stoke City 2; Bolton Wanderers 1, Newcastle 0; Blackburn Rovers 2, Hull City 1; West Ham 1, Manchester City 0; Chelsea 2, Wigan 1; Everton 2, West Brom 0; Middlesbrough 2, Liverpool 0; Arsenal 0, Fulham 0. – Sapa-AFP