MANCHESTER: Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Manchester United produced an "amazing" performance in their 4-1 quarter-final win against West Ham United in the English Football League (EFL) Cup.
Ibrahimovic led from the front scoring in the second minute to hand United a second-minute lead at home here on Wednesday.
West Ham's Ashley Fletcher equalised later in the first half but Ibrahimovic said the early goal set the course of the match.
United were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham in the English Premier League on Sunday.
"[On Sunday] they had that goal after a couple of minutes and we were chasing them but today was different because, when you're one goal up, you get more spaces. Today's situation was totally different," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by Manchester United's website on Thursday.
"We played the game exactly how we wanted. I think, collectively, we were amazing because we helped each other. We sacrificed for each other and we made it easy for each other."
The Swedish striker was injured while scoring the first goal but he continued to play and scored the team's fourth goal late in the match.
"Yes, when I tried to score a goal, I tried to avoid the duel with goalkeeper," he said.
"And then he did what he did. No worries. I didn't get injured. That was most important. But I still kept playing because I don't give up."
"The important thing is to play good and feel good and give the guys the confidence so they feel comfortable when they're playing. I'm working hard and the team is working hard. We try to help each other and I try to help in the best way I can," the 35-year-old added.
"I'm happy so far with my performance. I should have a couple more goals but the goals will come. I'm not worried because the goals are the easiest problem."
United will play against Hull City in the EFL Cup semi-finals in January. Ibrahimovic was already looking forward to the fixture.
"When you play a semi-final, it's win or lose. Whoever it is, you'll give 200 per cent. This semi-final is two games so it's home and away so it's two finals, you could say. They'll do anything to get through to the final, just like we will do. So we will be ready. We will do everything to get to the final," he said, as quoted by the club's official website.