* Manchester United displays a winning mentality.
It wasn't one of those nights when you would say that Erik Ten Hag's side played excellently, but their fighting spirit was on full display.
The way they responded to West Ham's goal portrayed how their mentality has changed under Erik Ten Hag. Casemiro was unlucky to have his goal ruled out for an offside but that didn't deter their team spirit as they continously kept on knocking on the Hammers defense in search of an equalizer.
They showed and proved they are winners.
* Fatigue is beginning to set in.
It's was one of the reasons they started off the game in a dull manner, Bruno Fernandes particularly showed he needed rest, Marcus Rashford didn't make much contributions when he came in in the second half but they ensured that their primary assignment was carried out successfully.
On to the next round.
* Wout Weghorst worked the hardest.
He was closer to finding the back of the net against West Ham on Wednesday night, but could be tagged unlucky as his best chance was blocked and fell for Alejandro Gernacho, who scored what was the go-ahead goal for Manchester United.
Wout Weghorst was ever present in the middle of the park and ensuring the opponent were kept under pressure. This mentality resulted in Manchester United's third goal after the 30 year old pressured West Ham's Aguerd into giving the ball away in his own box. Fred was quickly to react and put the ball beyond the keeper's reach. However, Wout Weghorst still positioned himself to draw out West defenders, giving Fred all the time he needed to send the ball into the back of the net.
* Alejandro Garnacho comes up big again.
The 18-year-old had another night of impact as he scored to give Man United the lead in 90 minutes, and he was a thorn in the side of the visitors all through the night.
He was consistently taking on the West Ham defense and wreaking havoc with his pace; hopefully he will sign a new contract and commit his future to Old Trafford.
* Erik Ten Hag gets his tactics right.
A rotation was necessary for Erik Ten Hag given a big trip to Anfield awaits on Sunday. His starting eleven was superb, but he still had to make a few tweaks to ensure Man United progressed to the next round of the competition.
Victor Lindelof and Antony We're not particularly happy about them coming off, but it was needed, and these substitutes changed the game. Lindelof, McTominay, and Antony made way for Martinez, Casemiro, and Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half before Marcel Sabitzer was pulled for Fred. These tactical tweaks by Erik Ten Hag changed the game and eventually won the tie for the Red Devils.
* Teams should be wary of Man United coming to Old Trafford.
That was their 19th game unbeaten at home this season, and comebacks are something fans are beginning to get used to under Erik Ten Hag, and the Red Devils did it again on Wednesday night.
Even the mighty Barcelona were a victim of this at Old Trafford after they were beaten 2-1 despite taking a first-half lead. Manchester City also suffered the same fate at Old Trafford this season.
Erik Ten Hag's side has lost just once and drawn 3 since the start of 2023, that's a fact calling for attention and a message that the Red Devils shouldn't be underrated anymore. When you play against them, you play for 90 minutes.
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