Manchester United 3-0 West Ham
by James Nalton
at Old Trafford
A Rasmus Hojlund goal lit up Old Trafford on a grey Sunday afternoon, as Manchester United emerged victorious and edged above opponents West Ham in the Premier League table.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now up to 6th in the table despite their negative goal difference, which shows the inconsistent season they have had so far.
This is their second league win in a row and marks the first time they have won back-to-back games in this competition since November.
West Ham had their chances too, and should maybe have taken a point from this game, but they squandered each one as it arrived.
The opening goal was a brilliant piece of play from the 21-year-old striker, Hojlund.
He feinted to go one way to shoot with his left foot, before moving into the space created having fooled Nayef Aguerd and firing home with his right.
West Ham had one of their best chances of the game just after the second half kicked off.
Emerson Palmieri nicked the ball off Harry Maguire but after moving in on goal sent his shot over the bar from close range.
Maybe he had been watching the Six Nations the night before, as he lifted the ball well over the crossbar when it looked almost impossible to do so.
With the disappointment of that miss still in their minds, it got even worse for the Hammers as Man United launched an attack and Ajejandro Garnacho’s shot at the end of it deflected in off Aguerd.
Emerson had another chance shortly after when James Ward-Prowse drove forward and set him up. This time, his shot fell tamely into the arms of Andre Onana in the Man United goal.
Even when the usually reliable and clinical Jarrod Bowen found himself through on goal, he took too long to get his shot away, giving Diogo Dalot the chance to make an impressive recovering block.
The win was rounded off for the home side when Scott McTominay robbed Kalvin Phillips in midfield and set up Garnacho for his second to make it three.
The scoreline made Man United’s goal difference look a little more respectable, and it was the first time in the league this season they have won by more than one goal at home. Old Trafford appreciated it.
