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Manchester United hosted West Ham United at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Fresh off a Carabao Cup final win at Wembley against Newcastle, Erik ten Hag made six personnel changes.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof started as the central pair in place of Lisandro MartÃnez and Raphael Varane. Tyrell Malacia was given the nod ahead of Luke Shaw who was confirmed to be out with injury.
Scott McTominay started as the deepest midfielder and Casemiro had to contend for a place on the bench. Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes completed the midfield trio.
Wout Weghorst led the line with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony on either side of him.
Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-1 win against West Ham.
Garnacho was United’s most threatening attacker
Garnacho was without a doubt the deadliest attacker for the Red Devils, especially in the first 45 minutes.
Playing mostly on his preferred left side, Garnacho had some inspired moments of attacking prowess and finally found the net in the dying minutes.
Garnacho constantly worried Ben Johnson.
The 18-year-old took on Johnson whenever the opportunity presented itself. He found some joy inside the box with his left foot and his failed efforts required Alphonse Areola to make two or three heroic saves.
Garnacho provided much-needed width and his teammates found they could rely on him for a diagonal switch.
Garnacho did so well that after United trailed a goal in the second half, Ten Hag opted to bring out his trusted lieutenant in Antony and keep the youth player.
Ten Hag’s decision to keep Garnacho paid off as it was the youngster who scored the winner to complete another fantastic comeback before Fred netted the third.
Casemiro is both a creative spark and a defensive monster
With United lethargic and deprived of any quality chances in the first period of the game, Ten Hag brought on Casemiro in place of McTominay.
The Brazilian didn’t take long to feel at home on the pitch.
Casemiro was constantly looking to make the forward pass and find his attackers. Linking defense to attack, Casemiro’s deliveries were timely and precise.
The 31-year-old sent a series of long balls to his colleagues and found the target more often than not. Despite United missing a goal with him on the pitch, United as a whole arguably played better with Casemiro in action.
Casemiro thought he was bringing parity and tied the Red Devils when he headed in a cross from Fernandes.
However, the player was offside and the goal was disallowed, rightly so.
Minutes later, Casemiro’s attacking momentum paid off for the team. An own goal from Nayef Aguerd gave the 20-time English champions a pathway back into the game.
Before the match, Casemiro spoke about his role in the team and remarked that his main objective continues to be to provide defensive solidity.
He said: “Everyone knows my role and I’m sure that’s why Manchester United signed me: to give balance to the team, support my teammates in defence, help midfield, wings and centre-backs, closing spaces.”
“Of course goals and assists are important and make everyone happy, but the role of the defensive midfielder today is what I just described.”
Casemiro: “Of course goals and assists are important and make everyone happy, but the role of the defensive midfielder today is what I just described.” #MUFC
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) March 1, 2023
It is clear that he excels in both aspects of the game.
United to quarterfinals
United completed a sensational comeback to progress to the next round.
A sensational late goal from Garnacho was enough to keep United in the competition, with more chances of a silver medal on the horizon.
Fred’s third goal ensured there was no risk of West Ham turning things around and spoiling the good mood at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag will be very satisfied with the desire and mentality shown by his players.
