Well last night Manchester United delivered a fine performance vs West Ham United in their 2nd to last appearance at the the Boleyn Ground to win their FA Cup quarter-final 2-1 and yes it was a much better performance than their capitulation vs Tottenham on the weekend where they started so well.
Against the Hammers, United started well and played on the front foot pretty much throughout although they did survive a number of hairy moments after Tompkins got a goal back for West Ham on 79 minutes. These moments included surviving a goal disallowed for offside which was the correct decision just. Plus they can thank David De Gea for another man-of-the-match performance in the United goal from saving the Reds from extra-time and possible penalties as he literally stood on his head to keep West Ham out late in the second half.
The first goal for United came on 54 minutes courtesy of a classy, curling finish from Marcus Rashford who took a great pass from Anthony Martial and then hit a beautiful strike which ended up in the top corner of the Hammers net leaving the keeper with no chance. Rashford now has a very impressive 6 goals for the United first team in only 11 games.
Wayne Rooney did come on for the last few minutes to get a little run out in place of Rashford but you have to wonder how easy the captain will find it to win his place back given the play of the youngster. Rooney, however has the trust of LVG and was in good form before his injury so he likely will play as soon as he is completely fit and he will definitely go to the Euro’s as he has been in great form for his country and Roy Hodgson feels the same as Van Gaal does about him. The question is really should England take the impressive Rashford to the Euro’s – I think he could certainly do a job for the 3 lions in France but he would do better to be rested at home as there is plenty of time for him to play for his country.
United got their second goal courtesy of a rather fortunate Marouane Fellaini knee on 67 minutes as he got on the end of the rebound of a shot by Martial after a great cross from the by-line from Jesse Lingard. But you have to give the big Belgian midfielder credit for gambling and heading into the 6 yard box where he got the rebound for the goal.
With people ridiculously suggesting that Louis Van Gaal would get fired if he lost, the Dutch manager has pulled out another big result when he needed it most (not that I think he actually would have been fired with a loss) and the prize for the win is a semi-final vs Everton at Wembley on April 23rd. Come on you Reds!