Fosu-Mensah: Senior Players Steered Us Through

One of Manchester United's feted young players feels it was the older heads who provided the platform for Wednesday's Emirates FA Cup win at West Ham United.

Tim Fosu-Mensah produced another accomplished display, performing in both full-back roles over the course of the 90 minutes, as the Reds triumphed 2-1 in the last-ever cup tie at Upton Park. The 18-year-old was a doubt beforehand after being forced off the pitch in Sunday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but he showed no ill effects with another fine example of his huge potential.

His fellow teenager Marcus Rashford made the back-page headlines with a stunning strike to open the scoring, while Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard also caused problems for the home defence. Yet Fosu-Mensah was quick to praise goalkeeper David De Gea and the calming influence of three senior outfield players, particularly during a nerve-wracking finale when James Tomkins pulled a goal back for the Hammers and Cheikhou Kouyate had an effort disallowed.

Fosu-Mensah told ManUtd.com: "I think players like Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and Chris Smalling kept the team together in order to win this match. It was very important because they give confidence to everyone on the pitch.

"David is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, maybe the best. It’s very good to have a goalkeeper like that in your team. He can save you points or save you in the cup. I saw Kouyate score and thought ‘No, no’ but then I saw the linesman’s flag so I was relieved it was offside."

He added: "It was a very big game and a great win. I’m happy we won this game and that we can go to Wembley for the semi-finals. It’s very special because it was a huge occasion. I’ve not really faced an atmosphere like that but I’m getting used to it more and more. It’s great for my development to obtain such experience."

United's medical team were also commended by the young Dutch defender, who was arguably the Reds' best player in the previous match at Tottenham before he had to leave the field with head physiotherapist Neil Hough.

"I think the physios did a very good job to get me fit and I played 90 minutes so I’m happy," said Fosu-Mensah. "I went from right-back to left-back and I do my best in every position and just do what I can for the team."

Fosu-Mensah will naturally hope to be involved when United meet Everton at Wembley in the semi-final on 23 April but Aston Villa’s visit to Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League is the next match on the club’s agenda.

"The semi-final will be very special,” he added. “It’s a very big match and a nice stadium so I’m looking forward to it. But we have another game on Saturday and we just have to do what we always do – try to win the game. It’s important we focus on Aston Villa now."