Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag laid down a gauntlet to Alejandro Garnacho before his late goal helped see off West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday. The hosts were staring a fifth-round exit in the face but ultimately came away with a 3-1 win to keep their hopes of further silverware alive.
Garnacho was given a huge vote of confidence against the Hammers by starting on the left flank in place of Marcus Rashford. United fans believe that the youngster is destined for big things, although it took him a while to make his mark on the game.
The Red Devils were decidedly off-colour in the first half and Said Benrahma finally made them pay after the break, firing into the top corner past David de Gea. United’s quickfire comeback started with Nayef Aguerd’s own-goal less than 15 minutes from time, while Garnacho and Fred made sure of the victory.
Little by little, Garnacho grew in confidence and his late strike was particularly well taken, helping to propel United into the FA Cup quarter finals. Speaking after the final whistle, Ten Hag revealed that he had told Garnacho ‘it was time he had an impact as a starter’.
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“He [Ten Hag] went fairly strong, to be honest, he knew we had to up it,” said the England international. “We knew it, or we’d lose the game. In the last 30 minutes we found something.
“The crowd sucked the ball into the back of the net at the Stretford End. It was a tough game. The first half we weren’t at our best, a bit slow, I don’t know why. Maybe Sunday, with the celebrations, as we lacked a little bit of tempo.”
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