FA Cup: Manchester United vs West Ham Summary
Manchester United left it late to beat West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup. A McTominay strike in the first half of extra time sealed a tight affair as United returned to winning ways. With five changes to the side that drew to Everton, the team dominated possession, defended well but could not get past the defensive wall West Ham put up. All 11 behind the ball for the away side as they were wary of the attacking prowess of the home side.
West Ham registered one shot on target during the match and struggled to create from the deep defensive position. United struggled to make chances and when they did, either Fabianski saved them or they were blocked by a sea of bodies. United were forced into bringing on McTominay, Fernandes and Cavani during normal time. West Ham made many changes mosty due to injury but ended the match with a back five and three defensive midfielders.
A tough game for United as they struggled to break down West Ham but will be happy to come away with the win. The positives to take from this is the defensive composure and the high press United applied. However they failed to shift the ball quickly and get West Ham in dangerous positions enough. This will be something West Brom will apply in their match on Sunday so United need to work on breaking teams down as only a win will do…again.
FA Cup: Manchester United vs West Ham Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 7/10
Solid. Looked far more confident and dominant in his area. I can see him starting against West Brom and letting David have the Europa League game.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7.5/10
Strong defensively but lacked a bit in attack.
Victor Lindelof 7.5/10
A much better game. Does so much better against non-target men. Good passing and a decent run here and there.
Harry Maguire 8.5/10
Composed, dominant and another good performance.
Alex Telles 8/10
Dangerous crosses and much better linkup with Rashford. Still adapting to the league but offering good depth.
Nemanja Matic 7/10
Solid defensively and some impressive forward balls. Legs went in the end and came off for McTominay.
Fred 5/10
I think Fred has turned around his United career but has hit a small snag. He cannot play incisive passes against low blocks or deal well under pressure. It’s his limitation and one that I think means he should not play against West Brom as he will struggle.
Donny van de Beek 7/10
I don’t know why there is criticism of him. He played sharp passes, got in great positions and almost scored if not for an excellent block. I do hope he starts on Sunday but I don’t know how likely that is.
Mason Greenwood 7.5/10
Creative and caused problems down the right hand side. He is back to his best and I think he deserved to stay on.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
A couple of decent runs but missed a big chance to score, albeit because of a good save by Fabianski. A deft touch to tee up McTominay which shows he can play below-average and still come up with the goods.
Anthony Martial 7.5/10
I thought it was a bright performance from Martial. His hold-up play was excellent, the passing between him, van de Beek and Rashford was very strong and a smart pass to Shaw could have doubled the lead. I still think he would best be benched against West Brom but is showing fight.
Substitutes:
Scott McTominay 8/10
A great cameo from McTominay. A super finish and a strong performance in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
One poor misplaced pass that could have started a counter but other than that he was bright and lively as you would expect.
Edinson Cavani 6.5/10
Offered a lot of energy but was not given much of a chance.
Brandon Williams 7/10
Good width, a great last ditch challenge and a couple of good crosses.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Great runs and solid defensively. A good 30 minutes under his belt.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7/10
I think he should have taken Fred off instead of Donny or Matic but set up a refreshed team to break down West Ham but they defended very deep and compact. Made changes to win the game and keep players fit. Whenever a sub comes on and wins the game the manager should be credited for that.
Lukasz Fabianski 8/10
Two big saves to keep his side in the tie. Still at 35 coming up with the goods.
Aaron Cresswell 7/10
Super block to stop Van de Beek but offered very little in attack.
Angelo Ogbonna 6.5/10
Strong defending that got him injured. Hope he is alright.
Craig Dawson 8/10
For a lot of the game he was the only actual centre back! Strong performance and dealt with a lot of chances. Could have won the game late on.
Sofiane Coufal 6/10
Strong and solid at the back but could not affect the game how he would have wanted.
Mark Noble 7/10
Solid in defence but could not release the forwards.
Declan Rice 6.5/10
Gave the ball away trying to make things happen but unfortunately it led to a goal. Plays better as an anchor than a box to box. Literally the opposite of McTominay.
Thomas Soucek 6/10
Tried to affect the game in attack but couldn’t keep the ball.
Pablo Fornals 4/10
Really poor. Compact in defence but is far too inconsistent in attack.
Jarrod Bowen 4/10
Barely got forward. Subbed off early.
Andriy Yarmolenko 5/10
Made some decent turns but could not get into the game. Shame he got injured again.
Substitutes:
Issa Diop N/A
Ryan Fredricks 6/10
Defended well but could not get forward enough.
Ben Johnson 6/10
Had a tough challenge but dealt with it well.
Ademipo Odubeko 5/10
Really unfair to sub him off after coming on but did struggle. Not his fault mind you, the way West Ham played prevented him from having a chance.
Manuel Lanzini 5/10
Can’t remember if he did anything.
Said Benrahma 6/10
Lively but no final product.
David Moyes 6/10
Set up to sit back and counter. He got the first part spot on but the second so very wrong. His side couldn’t get out and clearly missed Antonio. Horrible decision to take off the youngster because it would have crushed him. Still yet to win at Old Trafford as the away manager.
