Player Ratings: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
West Ham 1-2 Manchester United | Premier League | Player Ratings
The drama that is the game of football was on full display at the London Stadium as Manchester United came from behind to beat West Ham. The Hammers took an early lead through Saïd Benrahma. The Algerian’s deflected strike that found the back of the net proved to be the proverbial kick up the backside for United who responded within minutes through Cristiano Ronaldo, who found himself poorly marked in the box.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men initially looked strong as the second half began but their efforts soon petered out as the game wore on. Changes were made with both Jesse Lingard and Jadon Sancho being introduced. After very little transpired following the changes, Nemanja Matic replaced Fred and assisted Jesse Lingard’s winner.
Proceedings didn’t end there though with West Ham eager to earn a point they attacked in numbers. A penalty was given as Luke Shaw’s hand was deemed to be in an unnatural position as Sofiane Coufal crossed the ball. Remarkably, David Moyes opted to introduce his captain Mark Noble just for the penalty. His only touch of the ball was saved in extraordinary fashion as David de Gea secured all three points for the Reds.
David De Gea: 9
De Gea has found his form again, this season. Another world-class performance, topped off with a fantastic penalty save in the dying embers of the game- ultimately, saving three points for United.
Defence
Luke Shaw: 7
Aside from the penalty (Which was completely accidental), Luke Shaw was immense today. His attacking quality was outstanding today, and his defensive consistency is something to be admired, more or less neutralising the Hammer’s attacking threat.
Embed from Getty ImagesRaphael Varane: 7
Varane put in another commanding performance again today. His presence gives the Manchester United backline another layer of confidence, and this was clear in today’s game.
Harry Maguire: 6
Maguire had a decent game. However, a couple of individual errors from the skipper could’ve potentially cost us a goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7
I thought Wan-Bissaka put in a very strong performance today. I see his attacking prowess improving week in a week out, and I genuinely believe that if he is able to further develop this aspect of his game, he could become of the best fullbacks in world football in the coming years.
Midfield
Paul Pogba: 7
During the first half, Paul Pogba was brilliant. The ball was constantly glued to his foot, and his forward runs were extremely effective. At first, I felt his substitution was quite unjust. However, ultimately, the introduction of Jesse Lingard became a key turning point in the game, in the favour of Manchester United.
Fred: 4
Fred, yet again, was poor. His performances don’t seem to be improving and I personally feel he needs some time out of the squad to regain his form.
Embed from Getty ImagesScott Mctominay: 6
Mctominay put in a shift today, and his return is much to the delight to many Manchester United fans. His forward passing was efficient, and his tireless work rate was a key factor in Man United’s ability to control the West Ham midfield.
Bruno Fernandes: 8
Fernandes was immense today, his ball to Ronaldo was pivotal in United’s first goal. His attacking play was fantastic, and his accurate balls placed into the box created multiple opportunities for the United forwards.
Attack
Mason Greenwood: 6
Within the first half, Greenwood was arguably United’s best player- alongside Ronaldo. His development as an attacking player really is a beautiful thing to observe. His hold-up play, skillful runs, and visionary passes were all exceptional. Although his influence faded out within the second half, Mason is a joy to watch- so exciting!
Embed from Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo: 8
Ronaldo is, once again, inevitable! He has become the game-changer for United. His forward play is unbelievable- already providing multiple-goal contributions. The first goal was a result of his perfectly timed run into the box, as he reached a pinpoint cross from Bruno, volleying it into the keeper, and then following up the spilled save. Brilliant!
Substitutes:
Jesse Lingard: 8
Lingard is finding his rhythm again, becoming a consistent goal contributor for both club and country. His substitution onto the pitch was a crucial moment in United’s victory, and his top-corner finish was excellent. As a United fan, I’m so happy for our very own super-sub, JLingz!
Jadon Sancho: 7
Sancho was sharp when he came on as a sub. His interchanging passing ability and close-ball control is great to see. I want to see more game-time from Sancho, as he excites me very much. However, I can see the clear progression of Sancho game by game, and he will inevitably become a fundamental part of the Red Devil’s starting 11.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Matic didn’t have long to impact the game but his vital defence splitting pass set up the winner.
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