Captain Harry Maguire lauded youngster Alejandro Garnacho after his heroics helped Manchester United beat West Ham United 3-1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
After falling behind to Said Benrahma's controversial opener just nine minutes into the second half, United produced a late rally to come from behind and extend their unbeaten run at home to 19 matches in all competitions. Hammers defender Nayef Aguerd netted an unfortunate own-goal with just 13 minutes left on the clock and that looked as though it would be enough to send the contest to extra time.
However, Garnacho produced a moment of magic in the final minute of normal time, curling a brilliant right-footed effort into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to put United 2-1 up. There was still time for a third goal, though, and Fred made sure of the victory once and for all deep into stoppage time.
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Although it was Fred, who had earlier stepped off the bench, that had the final say to put the result beyond doubt, it was Garnacho's moment of brilliance that effectively secured United's route to the last-eight and set up a tie with Fulham in M16 later this month. The Argentine was a constant threat during the second half and Maguire, who returned to the side and partnered Victor Lindelof in the heart of the defence, waxed lyrical about his potential.
Asked how good Garnacho is, Maguire, speaking to ITV Sport, said: "Very good. He is a young boy with amazing talent, so he has got the world at his feet.
"If he works hard, pushes every day and trains hard like he is doing at the moment, he will have a big future."
United, possibly still on cloud nine after Sunday's Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle United at Wembley, were poor in the first half, offering virtually no threat. Manager Erik ten Hag had made six changes and it was clear that those who had come into the side were not at the same standard as those who had dropped out.
"Obviously we made it hard work for ourselves," Maguire added. "We were poor in the first half and didn't get started after... I don't know why, maybe the celebrations on Sunday, but we can't have that excuse and we must start better than that.
"We conceded a soft goal. It was a good finish from their lad at the start of the second half, but it was an amazing reaction, we kept fighting and it really felt like we were pushing and it [the goal] was coming. It was a great match-winner from Garns."
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