Manchester United came out on top of West Ham United in a hard-fought contest at Old Trafford as the Red Devils defeated the Hammers by 2-1. The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute via a well-taken spot kick from Paul Pogba to wrong-foot Fabianski after Robert Snodgrass brought down Juan Mata in the box. The Hammers launched a massive fightback and came back into the match after Felipe Anderson’s effort put them back on level terms.
In the following 15 odd minutes of play, the visitors had Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side right on the ropes and could have got at least two goals to their name via Michail Antonio. But captain David De Gea came to their rescue with two stunning saves. The Red Devils were awarded another penalty after Ryan Fredericks brought Anthony Martial down in the box with a rash challenge and Pogba once again stepped to put his side ahead by 2-1. The scoreline stayed that way until the final whistle.
Here is how the Manchester United players were rated from their win against West Ham United.
David De Gea: 9
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s that Spaniard again! Yes, he conceded a goal but made a series of absolutely unbelievable saves to keep his side in the match. A performance worthy of the captain’s armband. You deserve that articulation, David De Gea!
Diogo Dalot: 6
Made some good runs into the opposition half to initiate attacks. His backtracking, however, was not good enough as he allowed acres of space to Anderson and the Brazilian capitalised on it.
Chris Smalling: 7
He continued his good spell in the backline. Made some excellent tackles to stop his former teammate Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from threatening the goal.
Phil Jones: 6
Looked a little shaky in the second half after a decent first one. Took a knock on his head and finished the match with a bandage.
Marcos Rojo: 5
Looked completely out of touch and was the weakest link in the Manchester United lineup. Could not cope with the pace and power of Michail Antonio and allowed him to take shots on goal which could have resulted in his side’s downfall if there was no De Gea.
Paul Pogba: 8
His cool attitude (and a shortened run-up) while taking the penalty showed his maturity in decision making. Lost his armband to De Gea but not his vigour as he dictated the terms in the middle of the pitch as well.
Fred: 7
A bundle of energy in the midfield. Paired up well with the Frenchman to give stability to the side in the heart of the pitch. Surely an upgrade over Ander Herrera.
Jesse Lingard: 5.5
Looked far from threatening throughout the match. Could not do much under the watchful eyes of Ogbonna.
Juan Mata: 6
Made some clever runs into the box, one of which caused his side to get the early penalty. Did not look influential in the second half and was substituted.
Anthony Martial: 6.5
His darting runs caused several problems for the Hammers defence throughout the match. Led to the second penalty of the game for his side.
Romelu Lukaku: 5.5
His physical presence was well dealt with by Balbuena. His shots were not good enough to go past Fabianski.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford: 6
Did well to threaten the opposition defence with his pace but lacked accuracy in his shooting.
Mason Greenwood: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Andreas Pereira: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
