Last update on.From section Scottish League Cup
Joe Newell gave Hibernian a lead early in the game
Rangers will be Hibernian's fifth consecutive cup semifinalist after they beat Dundee United in Tannadice's League Cup final eight.
Jack Ross' team soared into a three goal lead at the interval. Scott Allan and Joe Newell scored goals. Martin Boyle penalties were awarded following a foul by Mark Reynolds.
After the break, United responded with Peter Pawlett getting one back, before being denied a 2nd by a questionable offside call. However, Hibs maintained their position in the final four.
Thomas Courts' side regretted Willie Collum's decision to give a penalty at the half-way mark and to exclude Pawlett from the match.
Further blows for United will come from Charlie Mulgrew, Marc McNulty, and their respective injuries.
Rangers will be taking on Hibernian in the final four matches on the weekend 20/21 November.
Although Hibs reached the semi-finals in the four previous cup competitions Ross stressed the need to take that final step and win silverware. They took their first step at Tannadice within the first minutes.
Newell discovered a gap in the defense, grabbed Allan's through ball and rifled it past Trevor Carson who had started in place Benjamin Siegrist.
Hibs continued their fine start with Kyle Magennis' looping shot, which Carson pushed over the bar. United's cup dream was becoming a nightmare, as Mulgrew, the defender, began to limp off just before the 15-minute mark.
They rallied and had the chance to equalise. Ryan Edwards shot wide and Pawlett hit the post from within the box. They were then smashed by Leith's men in a terrible 10-minute period.
Allan's initial attempt was blocked by Kevin Nisbet, but Allan moved his body to make the ball return to him and he lashed a spectacular finish into the net.
United were reeling but Reynolds made an unintentional move to touch the ball in his own box. Reynolds was then penalised for tripping Paul McGinn. Boyle was too strong for Carson's spot kick.
This seemed to end the game as a contest. After the break, United reestablished the tie. Kieran Freeman chose Pawlett to be his opponent. Pawlett collected the ball and hit it home at the hour mark.
Matt Macey then had to push Dylan Levitt’s ball into the middle of the field for a corner. Nicky Clark was just inches away from taking it from him.
Pawlett then burst through midfield and crossed over Macey into the net. However, the assistant referee's flag declared him out. Television replays suggested that the attacker was onside.
United continued pushing, but they left gaps at both the back and in the middle. Allan and Kyle Magennis shot wide, and Nisbet was just inches away from putting Newell's low ball across goal.
United continued to push ahead, but their efforts were futile. Hibs will return to Hampden.
Scott Allan is the man of the match
As he made his debut for Hibs since July, the midfielder scored and assisted one goal.
What have we learned?
Although United created chances at half-time, the visitors were a bit flattered by the scoreline. However, they were found napping at the beginning and Hibs made it easy for them to move forward.
United won both the big refereeing decisions. Pawlett's effort and the penalty award were ruled out. They also suggested that Allan could have been given a second yellow for barging on Freeman while he was already booked.
Hibs' excellent start to the season continues, despite their weekend slip that cost them the Premiership title. Ross will be pleased that Allan and Lewis Stevenson were able to join him for rare starts, and his team still looked sharp.
What were they saying?
Thomas Courts, Dundee United manager: "Bitterly disappointed." We were impressed with the performance of the boys, even if they didn't play for the first fifteen minutes.
"We won large portions of the game but lost a few key decisions."
Jack Ross, Hibernian's head coach: "It was an excellent performance. We were aggressive in the first half and carried the same attacking intent as we have throughout this season. You can win the game if you are creative.
"We encourage players always to play forward and Scott Allan is the one who's brave enough to do that all the time. We want Joe Newell do the same. I'm happy to see Joe move forward and get on to the scoresheet."
What's next?
United will travel to Celtic in Sunday's Scottish Premiership (15:00 BST), while Hibs attempt to maintain their unbeaten domestic record at home to St Johnstone (15:00).
