Marcus Rashford’s 100th goal for Manchester United was enough to seal all three points for the Reds and condemn West Ham to a third consecutive league loss at Old Trafford. This result leaves West Ham 13th in the league, two points from the top half and three points above the relegation zone.
First Half
The first half was fairly open, with both sides exchanging decent chances to take the lead without converting the final pass or shot.
That changed in the 38th minute when Rashford powered home a towering header after Christian Eriksen curled a pinpoint cross to the far post. As well as reaching a century of the goals for his club, the 24-year-old has now scored five against West Ham in all competitions.
Second Half
Cristiano Ronaldo, making his first league start since falling out with manager Erik Ten Haag, had a hat-trick of chances in the space of three minutes to double United’s lead in the second half; heading the ball over from a Luke Shaw cross, striking wide at the near post, then having another shot deflect over the bar.
West Ham pushed hard for an equaliser late on, with United’s keeper David De Gea making two amazing saves to deny Michail Antonio and Kurt Zouma.
However, after Fred almost closed the game hitting the post, Declan Rice hit a first time shot 30 yards from the goal in the last minute, only to be denied by another remarkable save from De Gea.
Failed to Score Again
West Ham will feel a sense of déjà vu after this match. Like their match against Liverpool just over a week ago, the Hammers will feel they were unlucky not to at least go back to London with a point.
Moyes is now winless in seven league games against his former club, and his side has now failed to score in six league games this season.
Nothing But Praise For De Gea By Moyes
The last five minutes saw De Gea make three world class saves to deny West Ham. As reported by football.london, West Ham manager David Moyes praised the Spaniard.
“David De Gea made two fantastic saves and you are not Manchester United’s goalkeeper for that length of time without [his skill].”
What’s Next?
West Ham travel to FCSB to play their final, and ultimately meaningless, Europa Conference League group game, before hosting Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Edited By: Joshua Owoaje
