Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United (AET): 5 talking points as super-sub Scott McTominay sends Red Devils into the quarter-finals | FA Cup 2020-21

#3 Manchester United struggle to break down a resolute West Ham defense

Fabianski proved to be a formidable obstacle in goal for West Ham.

In a pattern that has become increasingly familiar to the Manchester United faithful, the Red Devils dominated possession. Still, they failed to create clear-cut chances against a deep-lying defense.

Even with West Ham struggling to get the ball out of their own half and Dean Henderson having little to do, Manchester United did not test Lukasz Fabianski in the West Ham goal as much as they would have liked.

In fact, the home side were faced with two entirely different challenges in each half, with the Hammers shifting from a four-at-the-back formation to a three-at-the-back at half time after being forced into making a series of injury-related substitutions.

However, as several of their matches have tended to go when they can’t find an early goal, Manchester United grew increasingly more frustrated as time wore on. This led to more wayward passes, ill-judged tackles, and more opportunities for the opposition to grow into the game.

Ultimately, it took until extra time, the introduction of Bruno Fernandes, and a counter-attack for Manchester United to find the breakthrough - something Solskjaer will be looking to address if his side is to seriously challenge for titles going forward.

For their part, West Ham sorely missed the threat of Michail Antonio leading their line, as their own efforts to play on the counter did not amount to much in the absence of a target man, and they ended the game without a shot on target.

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#4 The impact of COVID-19 on the FA Cup on display

West Ham made six substitutions over the course of the 120 minutes.

While the Premier League has proceeded as per usual this season, concessions have been made in the domestic cup competitions in England to allow for the impact of COVID-19.

As a result, not only have FA Cup replays not found a place in the congested calendar, but teams are also allowed to make five substitutions in the game rather than the conventional three. This was the case when football first resumed after lockdown last season.

To extra-time we go 👀 #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/ddWFejbgoc

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 9, 2021

West Ham took full advantage of the extra substitutions rule, making three substitutes by half time. They completed the set of five before full time and threw on a sixth in extra time as injuries scuppered their gameplan.

This game also featured a concussion substitute, as first-half substitute Issa Diop was himself replaced at half-time after a nasty clash of heads with Manchester United's Anthony Martial.

Manchester United, on the other hand, opted to save two of their five substitutes for extra time, adding fresh legs and energy into an uninspired and frustrating display.

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#5 Scott McTominay’s purple patch continues

McTominay (R) came off the bench to score the winner for his side.

Having made his first-team debut for Manchester United in 2017, Scott McTominay has slowly but surely grown into one of his side’s most impactful performers.

The Scotsman’s influence on the Manchester United side has grown season upon season, with the current campaign being his most productive yet.

Not only has McTominay been an imposing presence in midfield as part of a formidable duo alongside Fred, but he has also upped his goalscoring return to enhance his value in the side.

His matchwinner against West Ham was his seventh of the season and his third in the last three games. McTominay has doubled his goal tally for Manchester United from the start of the season and also added to his winner against Watford in the third round of the competition.

Scott McTominay and #FACup winners.Name a more iconic duo. We'll wait.🔴 #MUFC🏆 #FACup pic.twitter.com/waMRXzd5mq

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 9, 2021

And with games coming thick and fast this season, the supremely fit Scotsman is sure to be an integral part of Solskjaer’s plans for the side going forward.