West Ham 2 United 2

United subsequently called on some muscle in the form of substitute Antonio Valencia, who was joined on the field by in-form front man Robin van Persie as the Reds sought a more direct approach. The Dutchman almost made an instant impact from Buttner’s corner, heading just wide at the front post.

Even with added firepower, the momentum of United’s first-half play had been dulled by West Ham’s persistence. And the last 20 minutes – so often a time for swashbuckling comebacks and frenetic fights to the finish – looked like it would yield nothing.

Then just seconds after Giggs had headed Rafael’s deep cross over the bar from close range, the Welshman inspired another van Persie rescue job. Latching onto Giggs’ brilliant pass into the area, the Dutchman was ruthless with his finish to claim a dramatic draw and set up a replay at Old Trafford.