MANCHESTER UNITED produced a masterclass in football to dump arch rivals Arsenal out of the FA Cup.
The Gunners may top the Premier League but they were outclassed in a fiery clash at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher bagged a double with Wayne Rooney and Nani also netting as United eased into the quarter-finals.
United boss Alex Ferguson was delighted with the performance after last week's derby defeat to Man City.
He said: “It was a really fantastic performance.
"The players looked great. They showed tenacity and the passing was terrific.
“They were so disappointed with themselves on a really important day last week.
"I think all the emotions of the week probably caught up with them.
“But today they’ve made amends for that with a marvellous performance.”
United had started brightly and Anderson cracked in a volley that Jens Lehmann saved before the breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute
Anderson flicked on Nani's corner and Rooney headed home for his 11th goal of the season.
And the hosts doubled their lead just three minutes later.
Nani chipped the ball into the area and Fletcher marked his first start in two months by heading past Lehmann.
It was all United at this stage with Arsenal looking lethargic and out of sorts.
Rooney clipped wide of the post — but the third goal arrived in the 38th minute.
Michael Carrick's superb ball found Nani, who skipped past Hoyte to score with a low drive into the corner.
Arsenal's woes got worse after the break when Emmanuel Eboue was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Patrice Evra.
Eboue refused to accept the decision and questioned the decision before being led away down the touchline.
Fletcher made it four in the 74th minute when he headed in at the far post from Nani's delivery.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Scholes 72), Park, Rooney (Saha 71), Nani Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, O’Shea, Tevez.
Booked: Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore, Eboue, Fabregas (Flamini 70), Silva, Hleb (Adebayor 70), Eduardo (Senderos 71), Bendtner. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Clichy.
Sent Off: Eboue (49).
Booked: Eduardo, Silva, Adebayor.
Att: 76,000
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
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