Scott McTominay proved to be the difference in a lacklustre FA Cup fifth-round tie between Manchester United and West Ham on Tuesday night.
McTominay’s extra-time goal in the 97th minute was enough to send United through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, in a match that lacked any real talking points.
The goal itself came via a Red Devils’ counter-attack after West Ham midfielder Declan Rice gave away the ball high up the pitch. United broke at will and had a four-on-three opportunity as Anthony Martial delayed before playing the overlapping Fred in down the left-hand side. The Brazilian’s cross was initially defended by the recovering West Ham defender but the clearance fell to the feet of Marcus Rashford. The forward looked up and took a touch to an onrushing McTominay who smashed a low shot past West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
That’s the third time this season that McTominay has scored a goal like that this season – following Premier League strikes against Leeds United and Southampton. The 24-year-old is really starting to impose himself at Old Trafford and has now scored seven goals for the club this campaign in all competitions.
The game as a whole lacked any goalscoring opportunities with neither team near their best in normal playing time. United left back Alex Telles was the best player on the pitch during then and created the best chance of the match in the 26th minute. Whipping in a corner, his delivery was met by Victor Lindelof who headed it towards goal but Fabianski got a palm to it pushing the ball on to the post.
West Ham were hit by injury troubles throughout the match. First centre back Angelo Ogbonna was forced off in the 16th minute after colliding with Martial. He was replaced by Issa Diop who was then substituted himself following a second-half clash of heads with Martial. Things then got worse as forward Andriy Yarmolenko had to be replaced in the 53rd minute after picking up a knee injury.
The stats prove Manchester United to be worthy winners as they controlled 62 per cent possession and had 16 shots compared to West Ham’s three. Even after losing two centre backs West Ham were still defensively solid blocking nine of United’s shots.
For West Ham their focus is now solely on the Premier League for the rest of the season – starting with Monday evening’s home clash against Sheffield United.
Meanwhile for United their next match is a trip to struggling West Brom in the league on Sunday afternoon. However, beforehand they’ll be keeping an eye out for the FA Cup sixth-round draw on Thursday night.
By Joe Hayhurst
