Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback to beat West Ham 3-1 and book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
The hosts, who lifted the League Cup trophy on Sunday, trailed for most of the second half after Said Benrahma’s strike gave West Ham a shock lead at Old Trafford.
But United equalised through an own goal by Nayef Aguerd before Argentine teenager Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunning winner in the 90th minute.
Fred added a third goal in stoppage time to seal United’s victory and extend their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions.
West Ham, who were without their top scorer Danny Ings due to being cup-tied, had the better chances in the first half but failed to take them.
Michail Antonio was twice denied by David de Gea, while Emerson Palmieri missed a golden opportunity to put West Ham ahead.
United manager Erik ten Hag made six changes from the team that beat Newcastle 2-0 in the League Cup final, but his side lacked fluency and creativity.
He brought on Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay at half-time to inject some energy into his team, but they still struggled to break down West Ham’s defence.
The visitors took advantage of United’s sluggishness when Benrahma fired home from 20 yards after United’s defenders stopped playing, thinking the ball had gone out for a throw-in.
United responded by increasing their pressure and intensity, but they had to wait until the 77th minute to find an equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes’ corner was met by Casemiro, whose header was deflected into his own net by Aguerd under pressure from Harry Maguire.
The goal gave United a boost and they pushed for a winner in the closing stages.
They got it when Garnacho, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and won the FA Youth Cup and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season1, produced a moment of magic.
The 18-year-old winger cut inside from the left and curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner past Alphonse Areola2, sending Old Trafford into ecstasy.
Fred completed the scoring when he tapped in Rashford’s cross from close range2, capping off a dramatic night for United.
Ten Hag praised his team’s character and resilience after the game, while also singling out Garnacho for his match-winning contribution.
“He is a special talent. He has been working hard since he came here and he deserves this moment. He has shown his quality and potential tonight,” Ten Hag said of Garnacho2.
West Ham manager David Moyes lamented his side’s missed chances and defensive errors that cost them a place in the last eight of the competition.
“We played well for most of the game. We had some good opportunities that we didn’t take. We defended well until we conceded two poor goals. We are disappointed because we came here with belief and confidence,” Moyes said.
United will face Grimsby Town in the quarter-finals after the fourth-tier side pulled off a stunning upset against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
Burnley also advanced to the next round with a narrow 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town, who had James Husband sent off early in the second half.
