United spoils West Ham party

LONDON — A glorious rainbow provided a fitting backdrop to West Ham United’s last FA Cup tie at Upton Park but Manchester United ended a momentous evening hinting at a brighter future after reaching the semifinals with a 2-1 victory. Much-maligned all season and in grave danger of missing out on Champions League qualification after a drubbing at Tottenham Hotspur, United returned to the capital to produce one of its most vibrant displays of a poor campaign. Teenager Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock with a sensational curling shot after 54 minutes before Marouane Fellaini’s close-range effort sent United’s 5,000-strong travelling fans barmy. James Tomkins’ header set up a nerve-jangling finale as West Ham threw the kitchen sink at David de Gea’s goal but Andy Carroll headed a glorious chance over and the Spanish keeper produced heroics to repel a late onslaught. “I saw the gap in the corner and shouted ‘shoot’ and he did, but it’s more difficult than you think,” United manager Louis van Gaal, who introduced England skipper Wayne Rooney as a late substitute after a knee injury, told reporters of Rashford’s goal. “I said I wanted a title and I am very happy but, it’s not about me, it is very important for the club,” added the Dutchman whose side will face Everton in a Wembley semifinal. The atmosphere was electric as West Ham kicked off its 155th and final FA Cup tie at the 112-year-old Boleyn ground, which it will leave for the gleaming Olympic Stadium next season, but after an opening burst the Hammers fell flat. West Ham talisman Dimitri Payet struggled to conjure any magic and a tired-looking London side was tormented by Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial as United’s slick passing took its toll. Manager Slaven Bilic made no excuses for his side’s first home defeat since August in the quarterfinal replay. “They were better tonight in the majority of the game. We had energy and commitment but they were killing us with ball possession,” Bilic said. “Apart from the first 15 minutes and final 20 they were the better side.” Everton holds Palace Crystal Palace failed in its bid to secure back-to-back wins in the English Premier League and move further away from the relegation zone after being held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Everton Wednesday. James McCarthy’s dismissal early in the second half presented a fine opportunity to secure the three points that would almost certainly have meant the team’s survival in the Premier League. Though 16th in the Premier League, Palace looks likely to survive as it’s 11 points clear of the relegation zone. However, it has difficult fixtures ahead against Arsenal and Manchester United. Everton is safe but has had a mixed season. The draw against Palace owed much to goalkeeper Joel Robles, who denied Palace forward Jason Puncheon a clear chance in the second half.