adminLONDON. – Erik ten Hag praised Alejandro Garnacho for taking another step in his development after the 18-year-old inspired Manchester United to a late comeback victory over West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
Three days after winning the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley, the Red Devils refocused on a fifth-round clash that had looked to be getting away from them.
Said Benrahma put West Ham into a deserved lead but their night went downhill rapidly from the 77th minute onwards.
Nayef Aguerd’s own goal drew United level and Fred wrapped up a 3-1 victory in stoppage time after Garnacho had turned the tie around with his fine 90th-minute goal. “I see today another step,” manager Ten Hag said of the teenager.
“I tell him before the game ‘it’s getting time you had an impact when you come on, but now you need to have impact as a starter.’
“I think he is capable of it so that is the next step he needs to take.
“That (fearlessness) is one of his skills. But definitely it is a great skill when you are fearless, when you are brave.”
Tottenham assistant coach Cristian Stellini says there are no regrets about starting Harry Kane on the bench in Wednesday’s surprise FA Cup fifth-round 0-1 defeat by Championship side Sheffield United.
Spurs made six changes for the game at Bramall Lane, with Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Lucas Moura in attack as Kane – the club’s all-time top scorer – was named among the substitutes.
League Two Grimsby Town – the lowest-ranked team left in the fifth round and a non-league side as recently as last season – stunned Premier League strugglers Southampton away from home to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 84 years.
Penalties either side of half-time from midfielder Gavan Holohan gave the Mariners a two-goal cushion and despite Saints defender Duje Caleta-Car scoring to set up an agonising finale for the visitors, they held on to spark wild celebrations among the Grimsby players, staff and 4,000 travelling supporters inside St Mary’s.
“I said we could lose 10-0, I’m in shock,” manager Paul Hurst, whose side are 16th in League Two, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m so delighted for the owners and the incredible away support.
“I [told the players] we could lose 10-0. I was saying I might have to bring a blindfold. It’s always the fear – if a Premier League team turns up, they can blow any League Two side away.” – Mailonline/BBC Sport.
Online Reporter