Marcus Rashford joined the 100 club for Manchester United, as the Reds’ excellent defensive unit withstood a late siege by David Moyes’ West Ham United.
Erik ten Hag was happy with the result and the spirit shown to see the game out, highlighting a number of individual performances, including David de Gea and returning captain Harry Maguire.
“I’m really happy with this win and the way we fight again, we’re supporting each other and acting as a team.
“But, we have to manage this game better; to keep the ball better, and in the second half keep disciplined in the second half and then we’d keep more control in the game.
“I’m happy with some individual performances; David de Gea was magnificent today. But, you [have to defend] together; protect the box, and how they support, cover and motivate each other – I’m really happy with that process.
“[Harry Maguire] had a good performance; it’s not that easy when you’ve had a couple of weeks out and you’ve only played 45 minutes [in the Europa League]. He showed attitude, resilience and confidence and that’s good to see.
“The goal was a magnificent goal and the cross was so skilful and high-quality.
“Defending as a team is part of my philosophy, you have to give 100% and I don’t accept [less], and the team won’t accept less from each other.
“That gives the team a sprit, connection and unity and when get the first goal we’re hard to beat.”
Ten Hag after the game
Rashford seals victory with landmark goal
For all the criticism Marcus Rashford has received of recent times – some of which is justified – you can’t argue with statistics, and 100 Manchester United goals before your 25th birthday is impressive.
The milestone is a fitting one too, as it marks 85 consecutive years of having a home-grown player in every matchday squad – Jack Wassall and Tom Manley being the first two way back in 1937.
Rashford was played on the left wing with Ronaldo down the middle, but the Portuguese was again wasteful in front of goal. Marcus’ header was something Ronaldo himself would have been proud of, and it’s his second headed goal in two games. He was unlucky with another headed chance earlier in the half that was to close to the goalkeeper too.
Not particularly known for his heading ability, if Rashford can consistently get on the end of crosses and provide an aerial threat, it would add another dimension to his game.
MOTM – David de Gea
United were dominant in the first half, but West Ham probably edged the second; Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek started to wrest midfield control away from Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
This led to a flurry of West Ham chances towards the end of the game, but De Gea was equal to all of them, clawing several goal-bound efforts around the post.
The rest of the back four deserve a mention too; particularly the full backs. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot played superbly, and we could have easily gone for the Portuguese as our MOTM.
Martinez was his usual excellent self and Harry Maguire played well after a spell on the sidelines; providing a crucial block in the dying embers of the game.
United light up top
United’s lack of attacking depth was again exposed. The injured Antony made way Anthony Elanga, who was poor, and got brought off for Scott McTominay on the hour mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo had an average game by his standards and missed some chances – it is obvious he is being played due to a lack of alternatives at the moment.
Erik ten Hag will be desperate to add to his attacking firepower in January. Whether it’s Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham, Cody Gakpo or someone else – it’s clear where United’s biggest deficiency currently lies.
Jadon Sancho’s United career is at a crossroads too; he was an unused sub yesterday and is in danger of becoming a bit-part player.
We’ve seen Jadon play well for both United and Dortmund, but the Englishman needs to add consistency and greater belief to his game, and take more risks on the ball.
Job done – two big away games left
Before the West Ham match we said that United should be aiming to win all of their League games before the World Cup starts, and they’re on course to do so, with recent good performances and results.
The Reds have played at Old Trafford for the last time in the league before then, with trips to Villa and Fulham around the corner.
Winning under the lights in front of your home crown is one thing, but United now have to go away to two teams that have the potential to cause upsets, particularly at home.
If the Reds bring the defensive cohesion and team spirit from yesterday, they should be able to keep clean sheets.
Let’s just hope we can continue taking enough chances to win games, and then strengthen the attack in January.