Manchester United advanced to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup following their 3-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
The hosts who started the game on a brighter note had Marcel Sabitzer’s effort parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola in the 7th minute.
Another chance followed when Brazilian winger Antony Dos Santos shot wide a few moments later.
The fast paced game saw the hosts creating numerous opportunities especially down on the left flank where Alejandro Garnacho penetrated occasionally, displaying brilliant dribbling skills.
The Argentine teenager came close to finding the goal, but his effort was parried by the custodian in the 13th minute.
The visitors threatened to break the deadlock in the 25th minute when Michail Antonio raced clear on goal following a brilliant through pass, but David de Gea’s outstanding save ensured that the burly striker’s effort was thwarted to safety.
After the interval, Erik Ten Hag didn’t hesitate to make substitutions. He brought on Casemiro for Scott McTominay, but it was West Ham who got the breakthrough when Said Benrahma picked up Emerson’s pass from the left, turned, before unleashing a superb curling effort that beat De Gea to the far Post in the 54th minute.
Ten Hag made more substitutions bringing on Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez for Antony and Victor Lindelof.
The hosts attacked relentlessly until Casemiro headed home a would be equaliser in the 72nd minute, but the VAR ruled it out for offside.
Manchester United got their deserved equaliser through Nayef Aguerd’s own goal following Bruno Fernandez’s corner kick delivery.
The hosts then run riot and Garnacho who unceasingly tormented the Hammers backline finally got his goal with a perfect bender that beat custodian Areola at the far post.
Ten hag made another impactful substitution in the 88th minute when he took off Sabitzer for Fred who wrapped up the evening by scoring the third.
It was a mixup that allowed Wout Weghorst to disposses Lucas Paqueta before the Brazilian fired past Areola to make it 3-1 as United advanced to the quarter finals of the FA cup.
The victory means that Man United remain in contention for the quadruple. They will now turn attention to their Anfield trip where they will meet long-term rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
