London Stadium was the venue as West Ham United prepared to host English giants Manchester United having just played a game 48 hours ago. From the kick-off until the early few minutes, the game went box to box as both sides battled to gain control until Feghouli lunged late into Jones and Mike Dean the referee sent him off.
West Ham were reduced to 10 men and clearly, United had the upper hand since then, even though the Hammers were set up to be resilient giving trouble with their physical play as well. First half was all about booing from the West Ham crowd, decisions under pressure and ball going every on the pitch.
Second half Manchester United started in a composed manner and Juan Mata came in on the pitch as Darmian was subbed off and soon Rashford made his way in as well as Jesse Lingard was called off. The two substitutes combined impressively and Mata’s superbly timed finish saw United take the lead.
The second goal was quick reactions from the Swedish hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he struck the ball powerfully but very tidily even though he was offside. United held on comfortably but De Gea had to make quick saves time and again to keep West Ham United at bay.
Manchester United kept the clean sheet and they have taken 100% points from the hardest period of England’s calendar year in football.
Manchester United players rated from their win over West Ham United
1) GK: David De Gea – 8/10
He made very crucial saves and at the end of the day, he was the only player who got a hug from the manager. David De Gea proving as always as to how important he is for United!
2) RB: Antonio Valencia – 7/10
An integral part of the team and he just can’t stop performing so brilliantly. Looks to have had a consistent spell and once again neutralised Cresswell as well as Payet. Good start to 2017 for the Ecuadorian.
3) CB: Phil Jones – 6.5/10
Decent game but in the spotlight of negativity from early on itself after being a victim of Feghouli’s late challenge but his exaggeration was never needed. Nonetheless, a clean-sheet is a major positive.
4) CB: Marcos Rojo – 6/10
Not his best game but still a very good performance at the back. Needs to keep this up on a consistent basis.
5) LB: Matteo Darmian – 5/10
Substituted during half time and no extraordinary display as such.
6) CM: Michael Carrick – 6/10
Calm, reassuring veteran doing his job again. Kept the ball ticking for United and played his way out in a calculative manner when pressurised. United doesn’t seem complete at all without him.
7) CM: Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
Another spirited display and made important interventions. He’s by far been consistently doing so well this season. He also got an assist to his name from the Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal.
8) CM: Paul Labile Pogba – 8.5/10
Had a tough game against the physically equipped West Ham midfield but he did superbly against them. Looked to be in control and he bossed it for sure.
9) RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
Only showed sparks here and there. He was substituted early and no major contributions.
10) LW: Jesse Lingard – 5.5/10
Missed an incredible chance in the second half and didn’t impress at all as far as the performance goes. He was substituted early as well.
11) ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7/10
Had to deal with a lot of physicalities but even a bad game sees him scoring. He notched his 12th goal with a superb strike. As far as he guarantees goals for United, it’s all cool for the fans.
