To be in and around the European spots, these are the kind of games you must be winning. Not pretty, but effective nevertheless, as the 10 men of Manchester United held on to secure 3 points against Sam Allardyce’s West Ham. Robin van Persie silenced his critics after he calmly finished with his weaker right foot to double United’s advantage after Wayne Rooney had given United an early lead. Diafra Sakho pulled one back before half time, but West Ham just couldn’t conjure up that much needed quality to forge an equaliser, despite United skipper Rooney being sent off in the second half for kicking compatriot Stewart Downing.
Here are the Manchester United Player ratings against the Hammers.
David De Gea – 6
Safe to say, De Gea is having a rather ordinary season in United’s goal. At fault for the first goal after an error in judgement, although he made amends with a fine save at his near post to deny Sakho in the second half.
Rafael – 7.5
United just look a transformed attacking unit with Rafael around. Busy up and down the right flank all afternoon and set up Rooney’s opener with a delightful cross.
Paddy McNair – 7
The gamble paid off. The 19-year old Academy lad looked comfortable in his first start for the senior side. Tried to carry the ball from deep. Made a fantastic headed clearance to deny a glorious Hammers goalscoring chance.
Marcos Rojo – 6.5
Made a few last second interceptions and looked more comfortable than he did in the game against Leicester. Positioning improved, but doubts remain about his long term future at centre-back.
Luke Shaw – 7
Defensively solid at left back, and linked up well with Di Maria in an attacking sense. Bundles of talent. One for the future, undoubtedly.
Daley Blind – 6.5
Lacks the physicality of an anchoring player, but more than makes up for it with his ability to break up play and make use of possession. Looked sloppy early on, but grew into the game. Could well be United’s most important player this season.
Ander Herrera – 6.5
Dispossessed Song to set United on their way for the decisive second goal. An energetic performance yet again from the former Bilbao man.
Angel Di Maria – 6.5
Although he didn’t make a direct impact on any one of the goals, Di Maria’s overall play, his running ability and quality makes United a better team. Retained the ball well to ease the pressure on the defence towards the latter stages.
Wayne Rooney – 5
Sheer stupidity, and nothing else. Wayne Rooney was arguably the star of the first half, but soon became the villain of the second when a mindless kick out at former England colleague Stewart Downing ensured Rooney would have an early shower and also miss the Everton, West Brom and Chelsea games in October. Stupid!
Robin van Persie – 6.5
Notched up his 50th United goal with a calm finish and looked more involved in the build-up. Shame that his afternoon was soured by United being down to 10 men.
Radamel Falcao – 5.5
Provided an assist for the second goal, but looked a peripheral figure throughout the game. Would take some time for Falcao to adjust in a 2-man strike force. The sooner, the better for United!
Subs:
Fletcher – 5
Did the dirty work after United went down to 10 men. As always, the ultimate team player!
Valencia – 5
A couple of hoofs up-field to ease the pressure on the defence, although did little in an attacking sense.
Thorpe – NA
Came on in injury time for Angel Di Maria. Should get his chance very soon.