In the end it was a routine win but not without a struggle. The reward was a fourth round appearance against Fulham and the young defence kept a clean sheet.
United made 10 changes from the Liverpool game at the weekend with rafael surviving the chop. The defence saw Smalling and Jones at centre half and Buttner at left back. Anderson and Giggs in centre midfield with Rooney and Hernandez leading the charge up front.
On a cold night at Old Trafford there was noticeable empty seats but still a crowd over 71,000 was in attendance even though i was hoping extra time would not be a factor.
United started off well and got the lead inside 10 minutes where Hernandez broke through the defence and his pass into the middle of the penalty box was met by Rooney who slid the ball into the net to give United the lead.
West Ham puffed a lot but rarely a threat on the goal. Anderson and Giggs were enjoying more of the possession but both defences were on top.
The second half saw United get increasing possession but West Ham were starting to get some shots in. Smalling and Jones played well at the back and snuffed any chances that West Ham threw at them. They were unlucky when Rafael looked to have hand balled although the evidence showed ball to hand, but the inconsistency of referring saw a similar incident in the United box and a penalty given. Rooney stepped up and blasted over the bar. That was the 10th penalty he has missed since joining United.
The final minutes saw a nervy United but thankfully kept them out and United gained the win.
The men of the match was three players. Smalling and Jones were very solid and kept a good shape and limited West Ham to a few chances. Also Buttner was very impressive with his forward runs and his defensive duties. The defence played well and another clean sheet was very encouraging.
Next up for United is Tottenham away in the league on Sunday with plenty of big names rested and Rooney with a game under his belt.
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