Manchester United defeated West Ham United with a formidable 3-0 win at Previous Trafford, permitting them to maneuver forward of the Hammers within the Premier League standings.
Rasmus Hojlund, celebrating his twenty first birthday, scored a unbelievable objective within the first half, whereas Alejandro Garnacho netted twice within the second half to safe the Pink Devils’ largest residence win of the season.
Though West Ham had alternatives, significantly within the first half, they lacked the required innovative within the last third, ensuing ultimately of their six-game unbeaten run within the league.
Earlier than the match, Brighton & Hove Albion’s victory over Crystal Palace had dropped Erik ten Hag’s group to eighth place. Nevertheless, their win over West Ham propelled them to sixth place, albeit nonetheless eight factors behind the highest 4 groups.
In distinction, David Moyes’s facet slipped to seventh place after their defeat at Previous Trafford, trailing the Pink Devils by two factors.
Previous to kickoff, the return of Harry Maguire in central protection was the headline group information for Manchester United. Maguire, who hadn’t performed since mid-December, changed Raphael Varane and partnered with Lisandro Martinez, who handed a late health take a look at to retain his beginning place.
For West Ham, Moyes made two modifications from the group that drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. Vladimir Coufal returned from suspension, changing Manchester Metropolis loanee Kalvin Phillips, and Nayef Aguerd made his comeback after representing Morocco within the Africa Cup of Nations, taking the place of Kostantinos Mavropanos.
After a second of applause to commemorate the Munich Air Catastrophe, each groups had a scrappy begin as they adjusted to the windy circumstances at Previous Trafford. West Ham pressed nicely whereas Manchester United managed the sport from midfield.
West Ham had the primary probability of the match with a nook within the eleventh minute, however Andre Onana made a save to disclaim Tomas Soucek’s header. Bruno Fernandes and Soucek had makes an attempt on objective, nevertheless it was Hojlund who broke the impasse with a strong shot from the sting of the world.
West Ham continued to assault however didn’t create any clear-cut probabilities within the first half. Hojlund got here near scoring once more, however his strike went narrowly extensive.
Firstly of the second half, Lukasz Fabianski changed Alphonse Areola in objective for West Ham. The Hammers had a golden alternative to equalize when Maguire misplaced possession, however Emerson scuffed his shot over the crossbar.
Manchester United took benefit of that missed probability and doubled their lead via Garnacho, whose deflected strike beat Fabianski at his close to publish.
The Pink Devils pushed for a 3rd objective, with Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot having makes an attempt on objective. West Ham struggled to create probabilities, and their greatest alternative was blocked by Dalot’s restoration run.
Martinez suffered two accidents in fast succession, prompting Ten Hag to convey on Varane. Moyes additionally made two substitutions, however neither Phillips nor Maxwel Cornet might discover the goal.
Within the last minutes of the sport, Garnacho sealed the victory for Manchester United with a well-placed shot after receiving a move from Scott McTominay.
Though McTominay got here near scoring a fourth objective, United settled for a convincing three-goal win, boosting their possibilities of qualifying for European competitors.
Of their subsequent match, Manchester United will face Aston Villa, whereas West Ham will tackle Arsenal on the London Stadium.