Man United FA Cup win proves Garnacho is key, Maguire is not

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United came from behind to book their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford.

West Ham winger Said Benrahma put his side ahead early in the second half, but a much-rotated Man United side fought back thanks to a Nayef Aguerd own goal and a pair of late strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Fred. Garnacho’s goal didn’t arrive until the 90th minute before Fred, who came off the bench, made the result safe in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Man United will host Fulham in the quarterfinals on March 18, which marks Man United’s eighth time reaching that round of the FA Cup in the last nine seasons.

Rapid reaction

1. Alejandro Garnacho delivers for Man United again in breakout season

Garnacho, the teenager who made his first senior start in October, is having quite a season.

He scored the only goal against Real Sociedad in November, and then a last-minute winner at Fulham just before the World Cup. He scored against Leeds United at Elland Road in February and now you can add a stoppage time goal to earn a FA Cup quarterfinal to the list.

His exquisite touch and finish against West Ham sealed Man United’s win, and when he was substituted almost immediately after his goal, the whole stadium rose to sing “Viva Garnacho.” The fans here have got a new hero this season.

It looked for a long time that manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to rotate his Man United squad following the Carabao Cup final might backfire. But Garnacho’s late goal — followed by another from Fred with practically the last kick of the game — means United are still in the hunt for three more trophies this season.

Garnacho’s composure in the final minutes with the game on the line was the stand-out moment and was more evidence of how important the 18-year-old has already…