Manchester United 1-1 West Ham United
- Published
Anthony Martial's late equaliser earned Manchester United an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham United after Dimitri Payet's magnificent free-kick threatened to heap further misery on manager Louis van Gaal.
Payet's 68th-minute strike, curved high past United keeper David de Gea from 30 yards, looked to have put the Hammers on course for a semi-final at Wembley.
United, however, were revitalised by the introduction of Bastian Schweinsteiger for the struggling Marouane Fellaini and Martial ensured the teams would meet again at the Boleyn Ground with a far-post finish seven minutes from time.
Michael Carrick shot just wide and De Gea saved superbly from Michail Antonio in a frantic finale - while West Ham were frustrated earlier when referee Martin Atkinson ignored penalty appeals after Payet fell under challenge from Marcos Rojo.
Martial offers Van Gaal salvation
In amongst the wreckage of this traumatic season for Manchester United, the £36m purchase of Martial has been one of the few shining lights.
And the 20-year-old came to the rescue of Van Gaal just as West Ham looked on course to knock the home team out of the FA Cup.
Martial was tireless throughout and got his reward when he reacted first at the far post, turning in Ander Herrera's cross as Diafra Sakho hesitated.
If United had gone out here, Van Gaal would have been left banking on his side delivering the sort of comeback they currently look incapable of producing as they try to overturn Liverpool's 2-0 lead in the last 16 of the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.
It would have left Van Gaal effectively facing the end of United's season - and almost certainly the end of his reign at the end of the season.
Martial's goal at least gives Van Gaal and United something extra to fight for in the quarter-final replay.
The genius of Dimitri Payet
West Ham brought 9,000 fans to Old Trafford - and the name of one man was on their lips before, during and after this FA Cup quarter-final.
"We've Got Payet, Dimitri Payet" has become an anthem at the Boleyn Ground and the 28-year-old signed from Marseille for a fee in excess of £10m last summer justified every part of his status as the new idol of West Ham.
When he lined up his free-kick, it looked almost too far out even for a player who has made a habit of producing the spectacular this season. However, he somehow found the only part of the net that was out of reach of the outstretched arm of De Gea. World class.
Payet's impact at West Ham has been so big he was swiftly rewarded with a new, extended contract to ward off potential interest from elsewhere.
West Ham will have a new beginning at the Olympic Stadium next season - the brilliant Frenchman will be the symbol of that fresh start.
Fellaini symbol of Man Utd's woes
In the first half Fellaini made no tackles, interceptions, blocks or clearances. He also lost possession 11 times, more than any of his team-mates
The giant figure of Fellaini has always been a square peg in a round hole at Old Trafford, a player out of step with United's traditions of fast, attacking play.
It has not always been the Belgian's fault, but the regard in which he is held was emphasised by the loud cheers that greeted his substitution, the loudest of the day at that point.
And his cause was not helped by the transformation in United's play once he went off and the veteran Schweinsteiger was introduced with 16 minutes left.
United had been one-dimensional and stodgy, with too many long balls and unimaginative ideas that proved easy for West Ham's defence to deal with.
Van Gaal's changes saw United finally produce width and threat, with the 31-year-old German showing all his experience to spread the play and give the Hammers something to think about.
The sudden build-up of pressure led to Martial's equaliser - so perhaps a lesson learned for Van Gaal.
Man of the match - Dimitri Payet (West Ham)
Frenchman Payet has also picked up 10 assists in his maiden campaign with the Hammers
What did the managers say?
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal: "West Ham were the better team before they scored but then we created chances too. It was a fantastic free-kick.
"We have played a game against Liverpool on Thursday and they had the whole week to prepare and we could come back and show a big revival. I have to give a lot of compliments to my team. They were mentally tired after Liverpool and also in the body.
"It was a fantastic match between two good sides and I am very happy that my team showed their spirit after a nasty week."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Manchester United are a different team when they play away and don't have that confidence.
"Here, it is very hard to play with 75,000 fans and this atmosphere. It (the replay) is going to be a tough game, but I fancy us because we're going to be even more confident.
"We could have held on for 1-0 and on counter-attacks I was expecting to create one, two or three more clear-cut chances. Our dressing room was, and still is, very silent. I'm not over the moon but it means we are moving in a good direction."
The stats you need to know
Man United are unbeaten in their past 10 home meetings with West Ham in all competitions, though the last two have ended in draws.
The Red Devils have had 39 shots (including blocked) in their two meetings with West Ham this season, though just three have been on target (one goal).
Every one of Dimitri Payet's last eight goals in all competitions for West Ham have been away from home.
Willian of Chelsea (six) is the only Premier League player to score more free-kicks in all competitions this season than Payet (three).
Only Wayne Rooney (18) has been directly involved in more goals than Anthony Martial (16) in all competitions for Man United this season.
However, this was Martial's first goal in six games, since a 2-1 loss at Sunderland in February.
What next?
Manchester United next play in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday, taking on Liverpool at Old Trafford with a 2-0 deficit from the first leg (20:05 GMT). The Hammers' next game is on Saturday, away to Chelsea in the Premier League (15:00 GMT).
- Published13 March 2016
- Published9 March 2016
