Manchester United vs West Ham United Summary
A tight affair at Old Trafford where the points mattered more than the performance for Manchester United as they made ground in the race to seal Top Four against fifth place West Ham. A Matt Dawson own goal was enough for United to win the match but easily could have scored three or four if not for Lukasz Fabianski. United defended well but West Ham only started playing after the goal and will be disappointed in how the match went for them – failing to register a shot on target. The three points has distanced United with Chelsea in fourth and West Ham in fifth by six and nine points respectively and has boosted United’s chances for Top Four and keeps them 14 points behind City with a game in hand.
United will be happy with the last seven days of football but have another huge week ahead. Realistically United have to win against both AC Milan and Leicester as trophies this season will reward the progress shown under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the team have to get over this mental block of semi-final exits. Up first is AC Milan and it will be a massive test as Milan look to bounce back from their defeat to Napoli.
Manchester United vs West Ham United Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 7/10
Smart and sharp distribution. Confident and commanding in the box and other than that, nothing to do! Easy clean sheet.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
Solid defensively bar one slightly mad challenge.
Victor Lindelof 8/10
Dealt with Antonio’s aerial threat really well. Grown a lot in confidence in the last few weeks.
Harry Maguire 9/10
Another excellent performance. Marshalled his back line very well and played a smart offside trap. Dealt with everything in the air and made some crucial blocks too.
Luke Shaw 8.5/10
How good is he right now? Composed in defence, electric in attack and crucial to United’s build-up play. Playing at a world class level right now and easily walking into England’s Euro team.
Scott McTominay 8/10
Excellent performance in the midfield and crucial in the winning goal. I think he got a slight touch but it was wide enough to be deemed an own goal. His passing range was on show against West Ham and his defensive play was equally impressive.
Fred 8.5/10
A game in which I would expect him to struggle but he did very well in and out of possession. His passing was crisp and got things moving. Especially on the counter.
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
Even with three defensive midfielders on him, he found space and created a lot of chances. Could have scored too had it not been for a super save from Fabianski. Again his cross for the winner was dangerous and clearly caused West Ham problems.
Daniel James 7/10
A good game defensively and clearly is improving in his dribbling and possession. Especially against a deeper backline like West Ham. He put in some great crosses but missed a great chance to double the lead on the counter.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Drove at West Ham all game and great linkup with Shaw. Had two headed chances and should have scored at least once. Could have set up a sealing goal but Greenwood was unlucky.
Mason Greenwood 8/10
He had a great game and one deserving of a goal. Could have had a brace and an assist but bad luck, a brilliant save and a poor header by Rashford prevented such. Growing as a centre forward.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 7/10
His team picked itself based on the injuries but after a poor first half, he got his team in and changed the tactics ever so slightly. A bright start allowed United to sit and counter in the second half and really should have scored more. Not much he could do off the bench in the circumstances of the game.
Lukasz Fabianski 9/10
Stunning saves all game. Practically faultless.
Sofiane Coufal 5/10
Overran by Rashford and Shaw. Couldn’t get involved in attack.
Issa Diop 8/10
Great performance. Could solve some holes in the squad for us…
Matt Dawson 6.5/10
Good game but will be disappointed with the own goal.
Aaron Cresswell 5/10
Struggled with Greenwood and his crosses didn’t connect well enough.
Ben Johnson 4/10
Couldn’t shift defence into attack and moved about the place in the second half. Came off early.
Mark Noble 6.5/10
Decent defensively but couldn’t move it quickly enough in attack.
Declan Rice 8/10
Best outfield player for the Hammers. Tried to make things happen but couldn’t get it perfect.
Tomas Soucek 7/10
Defended well but couldn’t get into the game in attack.
Jarrod Bowen 4/10
Isolated and struggled to make an impact.
Michail Antonio 4/10
Likewise but worse as he targeted Lindelof but the Swede got the better of him.
Substitutes:
Said Benrahma 6/10
Lively but no end product.
Manuel Lanzini 6/10
Decent display but couldn’t make that inch perfect pass.
David Moyes 5/10
Negative lineup that replicated the FA Cup match. Played for the draw when the counter was on in the first half. Was positive in his subs early after the goal but too late realistically. Couldn’t get shots onto Henderson’s goal. Will be gutted at that result.
