Garnacho sends Man Utd marching on into FA Cup quarter-finals
After ending their longest trophy drought since the 1980s, the Red Devils showed off the Carabao Cup before kick-off but seemed to be suffering a cup final hangover rather than being boosted by it.
Even so, Erik ten Hag’s men created early chances but saw Marcel Sabitzer and Alejandro Garnacho denied by strong saves from Alphonse Areola.
The hosts were then given a scare when Saïd Benrahma played Michail Antonio through on goal, although the striker was closed down by David de Gea and Tomáš Souček headed into the side netting from the ensuing corner.
Ten Hag introduced Casemiro in an effort to add some extra urgency after a tame first half. However, the Red Devils were left stunned in an incident reminiscent of Paolo Di Canio’s FA Cup goal at Old Trafford in 2001.
The hosts completely stopped thinking Souček had allowed the ball to run out of play while West Ham played on and Emerson Palmieri found Benrahma, who rifled his strike into the top corner.
Lisandro Martínez and Marcus Rashford were immediately brought on, but it was Antonio who had another big opportunity and once again saw his effort saved. Casemiro thought he had equalised after heading in Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick but had been caught offside.
A mere five minutes later, Nayef Aguerd headed the ball past his own goalkeeper soon after to restore parity and the momentum shifted firmly in the hosts’ favour.
Man United got their reward in the 90th minute, with Garnacho cutting in to put the Red Devils ahead, before Fred’s goal in the final moments added an extra layer of gloss as they progressed in the FA Cup with their unbeaten run at home stretching into its 19th match and their quadruple hopes remaining intact.
Meanwhile, West Ham have lost two of their last three in all competitions and haven’t reached the quarter-final since 2015/16.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
