RASHFORD HEADER GIVES RED DEVILS VICTORY OVER HAMMERS
Sunday 30th October 2022
Premier League
Manchester Utd 1 - 0 West Ham Utd
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Marcus Rashford reached a century of goals for Manchester United as his first-half header proved sufficient to keep United in the hunt for a top four place.
In a game which was somewhat lacking in pristine quality, it certainly provided a good deal of entertainment, with both sides dominating a half of their own.
The Red Devils started brightly, with midfielders Christian Eriksen and Casemiro displaying a high level of passing, providing chances for Marcus Rashford who found a number of early opportunities on goal.
West Ham United were left to make do with a couple of lightening breaks, catalysed by Saïd Benrahma. On one occasion David de Gea was called into action as he rushed out of his goal to meet a sweeping ball which had been played in behind defensive returnee Harry Maguire.
Seven minutes before the break, Christian Eriksen provided an inch-perfect cross which met the gratutious Marcus Rashford who headed past Fabianski to give United a half-time lead.
The second half bore a very different story; as United regressed, West Ham began to show their attacking colours. While de Gea was forced to save a number of efforts, the United defence were entirely resolute in their approach.
Captain Harry Maguire produced a sturdy, assured performance on his return to the side following Raphaël Varane's injury against Chelsea last weekend. Diogo Dalot also defended remarkably well against the West Ham onslaught, his clearances proving vital on a number of occasions. This is now a fifth consecutive home clean sheet for United.
David de Gea produced a last-gasp stop to deny Declan Rice's stinging long-range effort in the last seconds of the game, as United held firm to maintain their good run of form.
West Ham provided a very brave second-half performance, giving the game a fairly balanced look in the end. The result means United go 5th, one point behind Newcastle United with an extra game to play. West Ham sit 13th in what has been a difficult start to the season for the Hammers.
What's next?
United will travel to Spain to take on Real Sociedad in their final Europa League group game, before coming up against Aston Villa in Birmingham next Sunday.