Man U pip West Ham, in quarters
London, Feb. 10: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned “wasteful” Manchester United to be “more clinical” after they edged into the FA Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win against West Ham on Tuesday.
Solskjaer’s side were well below their best in a scrappy fifth round tie at freezing, snow-dusted Old Trafford.
But a fine finish from Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay ensured United advanced to the last eight for a seventh successive season.
United last won the FA Cup in 2016 and McTominay’s third goal in three games kept them in the hunt to lift the trophy for the 13th time.
After the frustration of the late Everton equaliser that dented their Premier League title challenge on Saturday, this was an essential result to lift the mood at United.
It was hardly an eyecatching performance however, with United labouring against defensive West Ham until McTominay and Bruno Fernandes were introduced as second half substitutes.
Meanwhile, Burnley suffered a surprise exit as second tier Bournemouth won 2-0. Sean Dyche’s side fell behind to Sam Surridge’s first half goal and Junior Stanislas finished them off with a late penalty.
While the loss was embarrassing, it will be forgotten if Dyche ensures Burnley retain their Premier League status.
Burnley are currently 17th in the Premier League, sitting eight points clear of the relegation zone. It could have been an even more chastening night for Burnley, who initially included the ineligible Erik Pieters in the team before being alerted to the issue by Bournemouth’s media chief. —