United scrape through to cup quarters after come-back

After a first half full of half-chances, neither side were convincing enough to find the net. United seemed keen to give the home fans something else to cheer about in their appearance after winning the EFL Cup last Sunday against Newcastle, and the first-half performance from a much-changed starting 11 was a seeming come-down from their weekend high. Antonio had a couple of chances on the break, but for the most part it was the Red Devils who were pressing high.

They just couldn't find that potent nature which they have been famous for so far this season. Weghorst went close, but his reactionary shot ended up crawling round the post. This goal drought was soon saw to after the break as the Hammers came out the blocks firing. Said Benrhama was let loose down the left flank, he then burst into the box, firing into De Gea's far corner sending the travelling fans into delirium.

This provoked an immediate response from the home side as United then went on the attack, keeping the visitors camped in their own half. Despite appearing visibly more venemous than the first forty-five, they still found it hard to challenge Areola. The longer the half went on, the more likely they looked to convert, and their efforts were eventually rewarded. A delicious Fernandes corner was flicked in off Aguerd into his own net. An unfortunate error for the Hammers man, but you can't say it wasn't coming.

The Red Devils were not happy there, and Ten Hag wanted to see it out in normal time. Garnacho was happy to oblige, as the Argentine talent found some space on the left hand side. He then opened his body up, curling a beautiful shot into the far corner for the win. United weren't done there, as Brazilian Fred slotted home into the middle of the goal in the closing stages to make sure of the win.

The visitors didn't manage to get many chances in the second period, but couldn't quite hold on and force extra-time either. This means that Ten Hag's United are now through to the final eight of the world's oldest cup competition. They will face fellow Premier League side Fulham at home in the next round.

 

March 1, 2023