It was a positive end to the week for Manchester United in the Premier League after a dramatic win vs West Ham at Old Trafford.
With results going United’s way over the weekend, the Reds enter the current winter break in fourth place. However, it wasn’t looking that way till late on Saturday.
First half – Rangnick getting much-needed control vs West Ham
Although United didn’t create a number of first-half opportunities, Ralf Rangnick spoke post-match about how happy he was with his side’s performance.
Bruno Fernandes’ cross towards Cristiano Ronaldo early on was inches away from United’s no.7 heading away. The latter was in the thick of the action moments later, as Ronaldo went down pleading for a penalty. Alex Telles’ ball towards the striker caused a coming together with West Ham’s Kurt Zouma, but the referee waved play on.
Second half – A winner in Fergie Time
United got in behind the West Ham backline early in the second 45. A 49th minute Fred effort resulted in United’s first shot on target. However the effort was parried away by Alphonse Areola in the Hammers’ goal.
At the other end, it was a fairly quiet afternoon for David de Gea. Off-target efforts from Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek was the closest David Moyes’ side came to a goal.
Raphael Varane’s header, almost identical to that of Soucek’s, fired over the bar moments before.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Rangnick sent on Edinson Cavani and out-of-sort Anthony Martial. The attacking contingent replaced 20-year-old Mason Greenwood and Fred, showing the intent of the interim boss.
Martial’s scuffed effort into the hands of Areola made almost everyone think the points would be shared. But Marcus Rashford had other ideas.
Ryan Fredericks’ header fell kindly towards the Frenchman, who linked up with fellow substitute Cavani. The Uruguayan put the ball across the face of goal before Rashford rifled it in to break Hammers’ hearts. The 24-year-old’s 93rd minute, stoppage-time winner sent the 75,000 Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.
A look ahead after the winter break
February marks the return of the Champions League knockout stages. Before that though, the Red Devils are in action four times before travelling to the Spanish capital.
A Friday night, FA Cup tie at home to Middlesbrough kick things off. The fixture is followed by Premier League games against Burnley, Southampton, and fierce rivals Leeds in the Premier League.
