Manchester United moved to within a point of the top four thanks to a 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.
It was a scrappy game which lacked any real quality from either side, although the hosts deserved all three points from a dogged and gritty display. Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the match, when he headed home from Christian Eriksen’s cross a few minutes before the half-time interval.
United started the game on top and had a decent early chance via Anthony Elanga, although he skewed his shot wide when bearing down on goal. Cristiano Ronaldo then drew a good save from Lukasz Fabianski on 15 minutes and the goalkeeper also kept out Rashford’s header soon after.
West Ham grew into the game from then on, without creating any clear-cut chances. As the match ticked closer to the half-time whistle the hosts grabbed the only goal of the afternoon. Eriksen collected the ball at the corner of the box and floated a delicious ball into the back post for Rashford to attack.
In front of the watching Gareth Southgate, United’s No.10 bullied Thilo Kerher and outjumped the defender before powering his header into the back of the net.
Like the first period, the second half lacked much goalmouth action. Rashford had an early chance cutting in on his right and his curling strike just flashed wide. Ronaldo then had three decent chances that saw him shot wide and then over while his header went close.
Again, West Ham improved as the half went on and David de Gea had to make three good saves to keep out a Said Benrahma effort, Michail Antonio’s shot from distance and then the Spaniard produced an outstanding stop to deny Kurt Zouma’s looping header.
Declan Rice had a powerful strike in the last few minutes which deflected wide, while at the other end, Fred hit the post with a header. As the game entered stoppage-time, De Gea was again on hand to keep out Rice’s effort from outside the box, just moments after Jarrod Bowen missed his kick from just a few yards out.
Here’s how we rated the players...
United started the game on top and had a decent early chance via Anthony Elanga, although he skewed his shot wide when bearing down on goal. Cristiano Ronaldo then drew a good save from Lukasz Fabianski on 15 minutes and the goalkeeper also kept out Rashford’s header soon after.
5. Luke Shaw- 8
Another good showing from the defender, who got forward more than Dalot on the opposite flank. The former Southampton man was also good defensively and tended to win his individual duel with Jarrod Bowen.
6. Casemiro- 7
Helped shield the back four and was good in possession. The No.18 rarely misplaced a pass and battled against West Ham’s physical midfield.
7. Christian Eriksen- 8 (off 79)
Played a beautiful cross for Rashford’s goal and produced some good through balls and passes. Eriksen’s influence was key in the first half for the Red Devils and led to their dominance.
8. Anthony Elanga- 3 (off 60)
Produced very little during his hour-long appearance and didn’t make a clean contact on either of his chances, both of which were good openings.