Manchester United 3-1 West Ham: Alejandro Garnacho, Fred strike late in FA Cup comeback win
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Updated 01/03/2023 at 22:05 GMT
Manchester United came from behind to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and keep their hopes of a quadruple alive. Said Benrahma gave West Ham the lead early in the second half but Man Utd, playing their first game since winning the Carabao Cup, levelled when Nayef Aguerd headed into his own net. Alejandro Garnacho made it 2-1 with a late strike and Fred added a third.
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Alejandro Garnacho and Fred scored late goals as Manchester United moved into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.
The much-changed Red Devils carved out early openings for Marcel Sabitzer and Garnacho but it was the visitors who had the best chance of the first period when Michail Antonio failed to make the most of a one-on-one with David de Gea on 23 minutes.
West Ham continued to look the sharper of the two sides after the interval and stole in front on 54 minutes when Said Benrahma curved a brilliant strike into the top corner from the left side of the area.
The goal wasn’t without its controversy as VAR allowed it to stand despite the ball appearing to roll out of play in the build up.
United responded by introducing the red-hot Marcus Rashford but it was the Hammers who should have made it two when Antonio saw his shot brilliantly kept out by De Gea after a rampant run down the left flank.
Substitute Casemiro then had a header ruled out for offside before the hosts levelled when Nayef Aguerd nodded a corner into his own net 13 minutes from time.
It looked like extra-time was inevitable but the impressive Garnacho had other ideas and curled a lovely effort into the far corner to break the Hammers’ hearts.
Substitute Fred made it 3-1 deep into injury-time.
Next up, West Ham visit Brighton in the league on Saturday. Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Talking point - Man Utd’s momentum continues
The feel-good factor was tangible in the Old Trafford air as the players paraded evidence of their upward trajectory under Erik ten Hag in the shape of the League Cup trophy they won at Wembley just three days earlier.
The Red Devils boss inevitably made changes to his line-up and it took the home side quite a while to take care of the Hammers, who could easily have been 2-0 ahead had they taken their chances.
Instead, United march on with the big games continuing to follow at speed. They will hope to bolster their hopes as outsiders for the Premier League title when they travel up the M62 to play Liverpool on Sunday while the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at home to Real Betis follows just days later.
There’s also the small matter of an FA Cup quarter-final on their horizon too. Indeed, this is what United fans got used to during their most successful era – particularly when it comes to scoring late, late goals.
There is real belief from players through to supporters now and they will hope there is more silverware to come this season after ending a six-year wait for a trophy. Watch this space…
Player of the match
Alejandro Garnacho (Man United). The youngster was one of the few United players to show real energy and desire in a tepid first-half showing and then capped an exciting display on the wing with a stunning goal that was pretty much the match-winning strike.
Player Ratings
MAN UTD: De Gea 8, Dalot 6, Lindelof 6, Maguire 6, Malacia 7, McTominay 6, Sabitzer 7, Antony 6, Fernandes 8, Garnacho 8, Weghorst 6. Subs: Casemiro 7, Rashford 7, Martinez 7, Fred 6.
WEST HAM: Areola 7, Johnson 6, Emerson 6, Aguerd 5, Ogbonna 7, Rice 7, Soucek 6, Paqueta 6, Fornals 6, Antonio 6, Benrahma 7. Subs: Bowen 6, Scamacca 6,
Match Highlights
06’ – MAN UTD CHANCE! Areola gets a big hand on Sabitzer's first-time 20-yard drive after a lovely lay-off from Weghorst.
12’ – MAN UTD CHANCE! Garnacho marauds in from the left touchline to the edge of the box and lets fly with a low strike that Areola can only parry. Dalot seizes upon the rebound but miscues and Weghorst- in an offside position - stabs wide from close-in.
23’ – WEST HAM CHANCE! Antonio is sent clean through on De Gea by Benrahma but he takes too long and allows the United keeper to make a superb block.
52’ – WEST HAM CHANCE! Soucek climbs well to get on the end of a left-wing cross but De Gea spring to his right to keep his downward header at bay.
54’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 0-1 West Ham. Benrahma collects a pass on the left side of the box and whips it into the far top corner. VAR is now checking an issue in the build up where Soucek appeared to let the ball go out of play.... but the goal has been given!
63’ – WEST HAM CHANCE! Antonio charges down the left flank and burst into the penalty area past Martinez. He has options in the centre but opts to go for goal and sees his venomous strike well saved by De Gea.
77’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 1-1 West Ham. Aguerd flicks a header into his own net from Fernandes' devilish left-wing corner.
90’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 2-1 West Ham. Garnacho picks up a blocked shot on the left side of the box and curls a lovely low effort into the far corner.
90+5’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 3-1 West Ham. The Hammers make a mess of things in defence and Fred is able to lash a low shot into the net from the edge of the box.
Key Stats
West Ham have now won just one of their past 21 away matches v Man United in all competitions (D4 L16)
In the current format of the FA Cup (1925 onwards), Manchester United have progressed from more FA Cup fifth-round ties than any other side (42) and have gone through in their past 13 ties at this stage.
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