United lived to fight at least another day in the FA Cup after an absorbing, and at times nervy, game against West Ham, whose goal via a free kick from the talented Payet was cancelled out by an Anthony Martial equaliser with seven minutes left.
The league table suggests there isn't much between these sides and that was certainly borne out in this game. In the first half, both teams carried a threat but lacked an end product. Herrera had United's best opportunities, steering a shot wide before ballooning a shot over the bar following an excellent cross from Rojo.
The Reds looked more productive from the left, with Martial asking questions of Antonio, though service to the French youngster might have been better and United's passing in general lacked incisiveness. The West Ham right back was heavily involved in a goalmouth scramble that was gave his team their best opportunity of the half, but the United defence managed to clear the danger.
The Reds picked up the tempo in the second half and West Ham's goal came after arguably United's best period of play. Herrera and Martial had both seen chances go begging when a foul by Blind on Payet saw the West Ham player step up and curl an unstoppable free kick in off the post.
Memphis and Schweinsteiger came on for United in an effort to rescue the game and the German was particularly impressive, orchestrating play after his long absence through injury. Martial was easily United's best player, however, and there was no surprise when he was involved in both the build-up and execution of the goal that kept the Reds in the FA Cup. He spread the ball out wide to Herrera then made his way to the far post when got on the end of the Basque's deep cross to head past Randolph.
There were some nervy moments for the Reds at the end and De Gea made a superb save from an Antonio shot that was seen late by the keeper as it was drilled through the legs of Carrick. The two sides will now meet at the Boleyn Ground for what promises to be a competitive and difficult replay.
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