MAN UNITED 1 WEST HAM 1
Anthony Martial’s late equaliser was clouded in controversy as Manchester United lived to fight another day in the Emirates FA Cup.
Television replays showed substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger clearly impeded goalkeeper Darren Randolph in the build up to the 83rd minute leveller.
It was a massively important goal for under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal in the wake of defeats against West Brom and Liverpool in the last week as their disappointing season was in danger of petering out altogether.
The FA Cup represents the Reds’ only real chance of silverware and Martial forced a quarter-final replay in what will be the last-ever FA Cup tie at the Bolelyn Ground before their move to the Olympic Stadium.
It looked as though United were heading out of the cup when Dimitri Payet put the visitors ahead with 22 minutes left with a spectacular free kick as the Hammers were without a win at Old Trafford in their last nine visits.
Though United enjoyed 61-per-cent possession and had 18 goal attempts, they only managed two on target. It was only one at Liverpool in midweek as they continue to lack a clinical cutting edge.
Van Gaal praised his side’s resolve after they fell behind.
He said: “After falling behind and losing against West Brom and Liverpool, to come back was fantastic and we showed amazing spirit in spite of a nasty week in a lot of aspects.
“I am proud of my players and the fans were also proud as they applauded the players when they came off.”
Van Gaal added that the Hammers had an advantage as they had a full week to prepare whereas his side played on Thursday.
He described it as a great match involving two good sides and also pointed out they are still involved in three competitions.
And both manager didn’t want to dwell too much on a couple of controversial refereeing decisions, United’s equaliser and a possible second yellow card for Payet for a dive before he scored.
Van Gaal had sympathy for referees saying they only have one second to make a decision while he had the benefit of analysing them on video.
The Dutchman added, however, it reinforced his view that there ought to be a fourth official with access to video to clear up such controversies.
The Reds made three changes from the side that kicked off the Europa League game at Liverpool.
Juan Mata was suspended while Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay dropped down to the bench.
Into the team came Michael Carrick, who was captain, Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera while 17-year-old academy central defender Ro-Shaun Williams was on the bench.
United made a bright start and in the opening three-and-a-half minutes Marouane Fellaini blazed over and Lingard dragged a shot wide.
The Hammers had a great chance to take an early lead when Andy Carroll released Emmanuel Emenike who, from the right of the box, shot just wide of the far post.
Carroll then headed not far over from an Aaron Cresswell cross as the visitors began to impose themselves on the game.
It was developing into a lively affair as Lingard and Marcus Rashford then had chances for United, but neither troubled keeper Darren Randolph.
West Ham had a great chance to break the deadlock after 19 minutes when Emenike was left completely free in front of goal, but could only direct his header from Cresswell’s cross directly at keeper David De Gea.
Herrera had a couple of chances, but keeper Randolph was having an easy afternoon as he hadn’t a shot to save in the opening half hour.
After a lively start, the remainder of the half petered out with each side cancelled out the other as the stalemate continued.
United began the second half at a good tempo and continued to carve out chances.
Martial’s goalbound header from a Herrera free kick was blocked, Herrera’s shot was blocked with United claiming a penalty and handball by Winston Reid while Randolph had to dash from his line to block Rashford who burst through on goal.
West Ham also had a penalty appeal following a challenge by Marcos Rojo on Payet.
But the 9,000 visiting fans were soon in fine voice when Payet broke the deadlock with 22 minutes left.
Daley Blind conceded a free kick 30 yards out and Payet stepped forward and looped a majestic free kick over the defensive wall and into the top corner with De Gea grasping at thin air as the Frenchman scored his 11th goal of the season.
United response was a double substitution as Fellaini and Rashford were replaced by Schweinsteiger and Depay.
United finally made a breakthrough with little over seven minutes left when Martial equalised.
A sweeping move ended with Herrera crossing to the far post for Martial to find the net from a tight angle only a couple of yards from goal for his 11th of the season.
Suddenly the momentum was with United as Carrick fired a 25-yard drive just past the upright.
But in the three minutes of stoppage time, it was the Hammers that looked likeliest to conjure a winning goal.
Michail Antonio forced a fine save from De Gea while Mark Noble had a drive deflected wide as United were hanging on for a replay.