Manchester United found a way to win. They do it often. At 23 minutes behind, the trophy trio faced off until the end of their dreams, perhaps exhausted from their efforts at Barcelona and Wembley, instead saving the victory. Alejandro Garnacho’s curler passed Alphonse Areola in the 90th minute and Fred’s 95th minute shot completed an unforgettable comeback.
Ten Hagie Time doesn’t quite have the same ring as Fergie Time, but watching Sir Alex Ferguson have seen quite a few goals United late this season. Now Plum skin Witch It portrays a sleeping giant, and as Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes lift the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford before kick-off, this may not be the last silverware they have to parade.
But for David MoyesThere was more tyranny at Old Trafford, who never achieved great honor in his unfortunate time as United manager. He is known to have never won a league game here as a visiting coach, though Said Benrahma’s opening seemed to give. West Ham Hope to end the 43-year wait to win the FA Cup. However, Trevor Brooking’s successor in the 21st century will not be the Wembley hero yet. Moyes finally scowled. Weekend could have brought the sack, instead smashing Nottingham Woods for their 250th Premier League win, but a decent show at Old Trafford only brought defeat.
The other United’s struggle was testament to Ten Hag’s brutality. While Moyes initially seemed to show greater determination to move forward, putting only Jarrod Bowen as his current strongest, the Dutch strengthened United as the game progressed and took a trophy. A third game in seven days brought wholesale changes, and arguably the weakest team Ten Hag had picked since Charlton were visitors from London in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. It showed. United started out positive but West Ham were the safer side for most of the opening 45 minutes.
An overwhelming first half resulted in Ten Hag sending Casemiro to replace the reserved Scott McTominay. As soon as Benrahma scored, instructions were given to Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez. With the score level and a few minutes left, Fred arrived.
Until then, traffic was one-way. Casemiro brought purpose. United played with extra urgency. The Brazilian made a low ride. She sweetly connected with a volleyball flying over Fernandes.
Set pieces brought them back into play. In short, Casemiro, United’s new big boy in the box, looked like he had an action replay from Wembley. He kicked the free kick and celebrated the goal. This time, however, the replays proved to be offside.
But instead of a corner, he brought an equalizer. Wout Weghorst’s vicious run took 10 games in one night as he missed chances. Still, it served a purpose, as West Ham was distracted as the giant Dutchman tried to meet Fernandes’ corner. Instead, as Alphonse Areola left his line and punched thin air, Nayef Aguerd did so and inadvertently headed for the empty net. For United, who had been denied the league title by Aguero 11 years ago, Aguerd gave them the FA Cup lifeline.
They took it. Extra time was approaching when Weghorst’s shot was blocked. It fell to Garnacho, who showed greater precision in beating Areola. He might not have started young if Jadon Sancho hadn’t been sick, but he made great use of this chance and luck.
Alejandro Garnacho scores a crucial goal for the Red Devils.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Then Fred took his place in the quarterfinals after a mistake by Aguerd. Maguire was the defender who had a tough time, but Moroccan’s mistakes proved costly. Fred fired a shot and slid forward across the grass in celebration. On the chin of defeat, United had their 16th win in 17 home games.
David de Gea was awarded a silver glove by Ferguson to celebrate his 181st United win, beating Peter Schmeichel’s previous club record. He’ll have to wait a little longer for the 182nd, but he made two vital stops from Michail Antonio.
But for Maguire, who was reserved for Antonio’s most clumsy challenges, it was a fierce affair. He appealed to referee Michael Salisbury in vain to complain about Benrahma’s opener, but allegations that the ball was out of play fell on deaf ears before Tomas Soucek found Emerson Palmieri, who took turns picking the final score. Sharp on the counter-attack, Benrahma was West Ham’s brightest player long before he scored and took a shot past De Gea. United’s freezing, waiting for a decision that never came, echoed Paolo di Canio’s 2001 FA Cup winner here for West Ham.
However, it was not repeated. Manchester United have just returned from Wembley. They could be there for an FA Cup semi-final and final.