Manchester United’s quest for silverware is still alive as the Red Devils overcame some spirited resistance from West Ham during their FA quarterfinal replay at Upton Park.
The Hammers entered the game as favourites after securing a draw at Old Trafford in the original tie, but it would be to no avail here. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a perfect finish into the top corner after a costly giveaway by right-back Michail Antonio in his own half. West Ham again failed to clear their lines as Marouane Fellaini converted Anthony Martial’s deflected shot from close range for United’s second.
It would not be all smooth sailing for the visitors though, as James Tomkins pulled one back setting up a nervy finale. United once again had David De Gea to thank, who made a series of stunning saves to preserve the lead and set up a semifinal clash with Everton at Wembley.
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West Ham
Darren Randolph – 7: Did not do a whole lot wrong. Came off his line well and make a number of good saves in the first-half. Could not be faulted for Rashford’s goal, but was certainly a bit lost for United’s second.
Michail Antonio – 3: Out of his depth against Martial all night. A terrible give away led to United’s first goal and his delivery from wide areas was consistently poor. An evening to forget.
James Tomkins – 7: Brought the ball out of the back well. Perhaps showed Rashford too much space for the opening goal. Was on hand to score West Ham’s consolation from a corner.
Angelo Ogbonna – 6: Clearance machine at the heart of the defence. Very solid display.
Aaron Creswell – 6: Intent on attacking, but drifted out of the game in the second-half.
Cheikhou Kouyate – 5: Unsettled at times in the first-half, gained composure in the latter stages but still well out of position for both United goals. Had a late equaliser ruled out for offside.
Mark Noble – 5: An energetic, but largely anonymous display in a game where the Hammers were desperate for one of their leaders to stand up.
Manuel Lanzini – 6: Looked the most likely of West Ham’s midfielders for much of the night. Unfortunate to be substituted after 73 minutes.
Dimitri Payet – 5: His trademark set piece delivery was far from his best in the first-half. Had a golden chance to level the scores from a free-kick deep into stoppage time, but could not beat the wall.
Andy Carroll – 6: A frustrating game for the big striker who looked isolated all night. The hosts came to life when they started whipping the ball into their target man. A clever header back across the net led to West Ham’s goal.
Enner Valencia – 5: Looked lively at times, but his crossing was poor all night. Substituted off after 61 minutes.
Substitutes
Victor Moses – 5: Replaced Valencia. Showed plenty of energy but very little finish.
Emmanuel Emenike – N/A: Came on for Lanzini after 73 minutes.
Manchester United
David De Gea – 9: The Spaniard was again at his very best making an unbelievable save to deny Antonio from close range, before and outrageous double after 89 minutes to deny Kouyate and Carroll. Once again a huge reason United came away with the win.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – 6: The energetic youngster showed plenty of promise, but this was far from his most polished performance.
Chris Smalling – 6: Had the big task of controlling Carroll and did a good job to keep him under wraps for most of the evening.
Daley Blind – 6: The Dutchman looked comfortable for most of the night, bringing the ball out from the back with trademark precision. A soft penalty claim against him was rightly waved away.
Marcos Rojo – 5: Was defensively untroubled but failed to have much impact going forward. Substituted off for Valencia after 67 minutes.
Michael Carrick – 6: United’s captain for the night produced a typically calm and controlled display. Did enough to guide his team through.
Marouane Fellaini – 7: The decision to start the Belgian was vindicated when Fellaini got the final touch on United’s second goal. A typically physical and at times cumbersome display. Squandered a great chance after just 17 minutes but was heavily involved for the winning goal, setting up and completing the move with a deflection off his thigh from point blank range.
Jesse Lingard – 7: Impressive display from the young midfielder who seemed to have boundless energy in his legs. Missed a great chance to put United ahead after 34 minutes, when he was played through one-on-one with Randolph.
Ander Herrera – 6: A frustrating night for the Spaniard, who was preferred to Juan Mata in the starting lineup. Nothing he tried really seemed to come off. Substituted for Schneiderlin after 75 minutes when United were still two goals to the good.
Anthony Martial – 9: Clearly the team’s best outfield player again. Looked the most likely avenue to goal all night. Finished with two assists to his name, his precise through pass set up Rashford for their first and his shot was deflected into the net by Fellaini for their second. Another classy display from a world class talent.
Marcus Rashford – 8: Earned a start over Wayne Rooney and more than repaid his manager’s faith. A sensational turn set up Lingard for what should have been a goal after 34 minutes. His finish to open the scoring after 54 minutes was simply superb. Substituted for Wayne Rooney as the game entered stoppage time.
Substitutes
Antonio Valencia – 6: Took to the pitch after 67 minutes for Rojo. Was diligent in his defensive work.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 5: Subbed on for Herrera after 75 minutes. Had little impact and was asked largely to defend.
Wayne Rooney – N/A: United’s skipper made his long awaited return to the first team but had very little impact after replacing Rashfordfor the final minutes.
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