West Ham United vs Manchester United Match Summary
Manchester United went into this game against West Ham under the microscope yet again. Not only because of the disappointing manner in which they lost to PSG on Wednesday. They would be the first to entertain the 2,000 West Ham fans in the London Stadium for the first time since lockdown and at a stadium where they have failed to win since 2017. United started awfully, conceding chances and possession regularly. If West Ham were more clinical, they could have been 3-0 up at half time. They did go into the break with a lead and again zonal marking came under criticism as a near post flick from Declan Rice found Soucek who ghosted past Telles to head into an empty net.
Ole and United reacted with a double change as Bruno and Rashford came on for Van De Beek and Cavani and, after Juan Mata replaced an injured Martial, things turned for the better. A long clearance from Dean Henderson picked out Fernandes brilliantly. From there, Fernandes had options and picked out Pogba who rocketed the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out. Controversy swung in United’s favour as the ball seemed to go out from Henderson’s kick but VAR couldn’t find out beyond reasonable doubt. United blew West Ham away after superb finishes from Greenwood and Rashford and secured the result from there.
A massive win after an hour of awful football as United reach fourth place at least for now and three points off the top. United have to play better in Leipzig as all their attention will be fixed on Tuesday and while a point will secure progression, only a win should do.
West Ham United vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 8/10
Some good saves early and late on in the match. His kick to find Bruno started the comeback and while it may have been unintentional credit must go to Henderson for it. No chance for the goal. Hopefully he keeps up this good form.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
He was nervy in the first half but improved as the game went on. Superb last ditch tackle. No crosses of note.
Victor Lindelof 8/10
Made a hash of one clearance but other than that was dominant in the air against Haller and Soucek and dealt with most problems well.
Harry Maguire 8/10
Good performance again. He has been so solid since the Spurs game but falls under the radar. Credit to him and hopefully more to come.
Alex Telles 7.5/10
Ruined by Bowen all of the first half. He was caught out for the goal as he failed to track the run of Soucek. However, when Bowen came off, he did very well and got an assist for Greenwood’s goal.
Scott McTominay 7.5/10
An underrated performance in the midfield. Mostly because of the first half in general. However, McTominay showed his qualities and if he can improve with his forward passing, he will displace Matic very soon.
Paul Pogba 9/10
Excellent performance. He struggled to get into the game initially and felt his way in. Pogba did dominate the game in a disciplined performance, something United fans and pundits have criticised him for lacking. He created chances, stopped attacks and equalised with a magnificent goal. A massive performance from Pogba who needed a return to form quickly.
Donny Van De Beek 5/10
He did not really get involved. A few decent passes but not much to say. He was quiet, mostly because of the awful performance from United in general. Came off at half time and while it has been argued as unfair, it was a like for like sub for Bruno.
Mason Greenwood 8/10
Some decent runs in the first half and grew into the game as it went on. What a finish as well. Everything about the goal oozed class. Mason Van Greenwood! Missed a couple afterwards but when the game is sealed, that is fine!
Anthony Martial 4/10
He is going through a rough time of it. One decent bit of linkup play and had United’s biggest chance of the first half. Came off injured early into the second half. May be a chance to get his head sorted. The only silver lining really.
Edinson Cavani 4/10
Very quiet. Could not get into the game with United’s sluggish passing and lateral football. Often drifted left to try and get involved but still struggled. Came off for Rashford and realistically, I would have expected him to stay on and Martial to come off but the sub still worked.
Substitutes:
Bruno Fernandes 8.5/10
Massive impact. He was involved in all three goals United scored. Very clear that United play better when he is in the team. I think when he is absent and Van De Beek plays as the number 10, he has to demand the ball more as he is the main creator with Pogba in this case, playing as a 6. His performance against Leipzig will have to be massive as United have to win.
Marcus Rashford 8.5/10
Could have had a brace but his energy, movement and pace were crucial in United’s comeback. Missed a glorious chance as he scuffed the shot from Bruno’s brilliant pass but when given another chance from Mata, he made no mistake.
Juan Mata 8/10
Again I was nervous with him coming on against West Ham’s attacking left hand side of Benrahma, Masuaku and Cresswell. However, he was defensively solid and what a ball to Rashford. It is clear he still has a crucial part to play for United this season and even with his legs going, his passing and movement are still exceptional.
Man of the Match: Paul Pogba
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10
No doubt that the team he put out had enough quality and defensive solidity to win this game and keep a clean sheet. However, after the failure that was the first half, Ole made controversial changes. He brought on the players he aimed to rest and took off two of the new signings and I did wonder why Martial had been left on as he was just as quiet as Cavani. However they worked magnificently. Mata came on too and all three substitutes either scored or got an assist. It was a stroke of genius. I still worry about zonal marking. However, it was solid for the majority of the game and United only conceded as Telles failed to track Soucek. Ole needs two big wins in the next two games and he needs his players to turn up and play for the badge.
