Scott McTomiany’s extra-time winner was enough to see off a lacklustre West Ham side as Manchester United progress through to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Second-half substitute McTominay fired United ahead in extra-time when he smashed home his effort from Marcus Rashford’s tee-up seven minutes into the additional 30 minutes with the hosts’ 1-0 lead being enough to see off the Hammers at Old Trafford.

The Scotsman has continued to flourish at Manchester United as his importance to Solskjær’s side is only growing, McTominay has already scored four goals this season in 20 games, equalling his tally from last season with still nearly half of this season remaining.

The Hammers were set up to be hard to beat from the first whistle to the last as they had no real attacking prowess with the absence of striker Michael Antonio. They continued to play a low block with several bodies behind the ball and it worked for the most part, as Fabianski was only first called into action after 27 minutes had been played.

The Polish international kept out Lindelof’s header from a corner with a quick reaction save as he tipped the Swede’s effort behind when it looked like United had taken the lead.

Credit: REUTERS

West Ham stood strong for the remainder of the half as a succession of blocks, interceptions and committed defending prevented the hosts from having any real sight on goal going into the break.

Moyes introduced Ben Johnson and Ryan Fredericks after half time as he looked for his side to get further up the field, posing a threat to the United goal. Despite their change in shape, it was Fabianski who was forced into action this time denying Rashford from close range.

Antony Martial headed wide late on when Alex Telles whipped in an inviting cross for the Frenchman, although with minutes remaining on the clock Dawson could have nicked the game for West Ham when he flashed his header wide of the goal as his effort hit Aaron Wan-Bissaka before being cleared away as the referee blows the full-time whistle.

The game was taken to extra-time and despite playing 90 minutes without a goal, it took only seven for Manchester United to take the lead of the tie. United’s attack flooded forward in numbers when Luke Shaw delivered a teasing cross which was met by Rashford.

The 23-year old was smartly laid the ball off to an oncoming McTominay who cleanly connected with the ball as his effort took a small deflection to finally beat an in-form and determined Fabianski giving Solskjær’s side a 1-0 lead with only 23 minutes remaining on the clock.

Credit: Michael Regan

The away side had little to reply with as Said Benrahma’s headed his effort straight into Dean Henderson’s hands as the game petered to an end as the hosts claimed a 1-0 victory, ensuring their place in the hat for the quarter-final draw of the FA Cup. 

Tonights result has proved how important McTominay is becoming for Manchester United after adding goals to his game over the past 12 months, the 25-year old has proved he has a knack for goal from outside of the box as well as being keen to break into the box late providing an extra body to aim for.

He is a figure that Solskjær can rely on in important games as the Norwegian manager opts to use McTominay in a two next to Fred to ensure the team have protected defensively against the best sides in the league. Last year you would have never seen McTominay shoot from range, or break into the box but given the confidence brewing through the United midfielder he is consistent being able to impact games in a positive manner.

It was an important win for Manchester United that was never going to be straight forward affair as they face a confident West Ham side who currently lying in fifth position in the Premier League table. They had to take the visitors to an unwanted extra-time in the game to get the job done but the higher ache will be happy to have their team in the hat as Ole looks to win his first trophy since returning to Manchester three years ago.

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