Manchester United put in an unlikely but fantastic performance to beat West Ham 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground in Wednesday night’s FA Cup quarter-final replay.
The Reds were the better side for the vast majority of the match and took a two-goal lead in the opening stages of the second half with goals from Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini.
However, United did have to survive a late onslaught from the home side after James Tomkins pulled a goal back for the Hammers with just over ten minutes remaining, but Louis van Gaal’s side managed to hold on for victory.
In a much-improved performance from the weekend’s defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, Van Gaal was always likely to be delighted with such a result. Here’s what he had to say in his post-match interview with BBC Sport:
We played defensively very well. We didn’t give so much away. They lost the ball a lot of times and I believe with a bit more composure we could have finished it much earlier. I said at half time we had to show composure in the third and fourth phase. We did that better but I still believe we could have finished the game earlier.
On the impact winning the FA Cup could have on his future, Van Gaal added:
It is not important for me, it is important for the club, for the players and for the team. I said I wanted a title and I am very happy but it is very important for the club.
There were several United players who played much better than many had expected given recent outings, and one of those was Michael Carrick.
Carrick had a disappointing game against Tottenham last time out but dictated play from deep very well in this tie. Also speaking to BBC Sport, the midfielder said:
It was massive – a great opportunity for us to get to Wembley. West Ham are flying and it’s a tough place to come. We believed we would come here and win and we have done that.
Commenting on the importance of David de Gea’s contribution towards the end of the match, Carrick also said:
He’s been unbelievable for us for so long now. We needed him at the end. The goal gave them incentive. We defended well at times but David stepped up. We have had some terrific results and some bad ones. That’s something we have tried to put right. We need to be consistent and that’s the challenge we have to set ourselves.
A fantastic result and performance from United means they will now face Everton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next Saturday evening.
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