Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United: player ratings and man of the match as Rashford wins it late

Marcus Rashford’s last-gasp winner wrapped up a huge three points for Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The England international poked home with almost the last kick of the game to give the Red Devils a 1-0 win over West Ham United.

It was a game void of much real attacking quality, although both defences looked solid, in a match that massively strengthens the hosts’ Champions League aspirations.

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea- 6

Didn’t have much to do throughout the afternoon, but he palmed away Declan Rice’s deflected cross on the 90-minute mark. The goalkeeper was also hugely relieved to see Tomas Soucek’s header sail wide of his far post in the latter stages.

Diogo Dalot- 7

The former Porto man looks to be really establishing as first-choice right-back. He linked well with Mason Greenwood in the first half and stopped Pablo Fornals from having a real impact on proceedings. Dalot shot wide in the second half and played well throughout.

Raphael Varane- 6

Came so close to his maiden United goal when he headed over on 58 minutes, and looked calm in general at Old Trafford. The defender wasn’t phased by Michail Antonio’s physical approach.

Harry Maguire- 7

Started brilliantly with big tackles on Jarrod Bowen and Antonio in the opening 15 minutes to stop promising West Ham attacks, and played well. He was booked for a sliding challenge on Bowen on 56 minutes but was dominant in the air, seeming to win every challenge.

Alex Telles- 6

The defender enjoyed a better second half than opening 45 minutes, and he advanced down the line more often after the break. Telles put in a few good crosses and saw an effort go wide in the second period.

Scott McTominay- 6

Sat in front of the back four again but wasn’t quite as commanding at Old Trafford as he was against Brentford on Wednesday. The No.39 rarely wasted a pass and, as usual, he thrived in the midst of a midfield battle.

Fred- 6 (off 82)

Produced the first shot on target when he broke through the middle on 49 minutes, but his effort was well saved by Alphonse Areola. The Brazilian didn’t dawdle in possession, but was replaced in the final stages as United searched for the winner.

Bruno Fernandes- 6

Tried to pull the strings from the middle without a huge amount of success up against West Ham’s organised defence. His excellent cross nearly set up Cristiano Ronaldo for the opener in the first half, but it was just inches ahead of his international team-mate.

Mason Greenwood- 6 (off 82)

Was lively in the first half, although his decision-making did let him down at times. The attacker saw less of the ball after the break and had a quiet afternoon by his standards.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 6

Had a few efforts in the game, none of which really went close. Ronaldo dropped deep on several occasions to try and link the play, and had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty turned down on 35 minutes. The No.7 played a big role in the build-up to Rashford’s late goal.

Anthony Elanga- 5 (off 62)

Apart from smashing a second-half shot wide, the youngster didn’t have a big impact on his third consecutive start. He was rightly hooked with 28 minutes remaining.

Marcus Rashford- 6 (on 62)

The attacker didn’t have do a huge amount in his cameo appearance, but tapped in at the back post to send Old Trafford crazy in injury-time.

Edinson Cavani (on 82), Anthony Martial (on 82)

West Ham United player ratings

Areola 5; Coufal 7 (Fredericks 71;5), Dawson 8, Zouma 6, Cresswell 6; Rice 7, Soucek 6; Bowen 8, Lanzini 5, Fornals 6; Antonio 5.

Man of the Match

There wasn’t real a standout performer, but we’ve given it to Bowen for his tireless workrate and tricky dribbling. He ran the full length of the pitch with the ball in the second half and gave Telles several issues at Old Trafford.