Manchester United won their FA Cup replay 1-0 on Wednesday night to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Wayne Rooney scored in the ninth minute at home against West Ham in his first game in three weeks following a knee injury. United next plays Fulham.
The England striker side-footed into an empty net after Javier Hernandez had got in behind the visitors' defence and squared.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will now face Fulham at home in the next round.
However, they were far from at their best and looked impotent for long periods in the absence of top-scorer Robin van Persie.
Rooney started the game well and deserved his goal, but his influence waned and he went on to miss a second-half penalty.
West Ham once again put up a brave fight and missed several good chances of their own to force extra time, with Matt Taylor and Kevin Nolan both guilty.
Information form the Associated Press was used in this report.
