Top marks, this time, to the Manager for his half time substitutions. Just shows how indispensable to the Reds, Fernandes and Rashford have become. Ole had opted to make five changes from the victory at Southampton, and gave Dean Henderson and Edinson Cavani their first Premier League starts. United made a slow start, basing their play on possession. In fact it was not until the 18th minute that United entered the opposition penalty area, and not until the 35th minute for the first shot on target, credit to Pogba from outside the box. It is amusing to note that after this attempt, the TV commentator remarked that Pogba would never beat the Hammers keeper from that range. In the second half Paul showed how erroneous that remark was, beating the keeper from well outside the Area.
In the end United scored three times, it being difficult to decide which was the best goal of the lot. That now makes it nine consecutive away wins in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes has my Man of the Match Award. On his introduction United’s improvement was both instant and drastic. He set up Paul Pogba’s superb equalizer before the Portuguese had a hand in Mason Greenwood’s clinical strike.
While United can still not welcome back supporters to Old Trafford, the Hammers opened their gates to 2,000 supporters for the first time since February 29. It was disappointing to note that these select few opted to unsportingly boo when United were in possession or a United player down injured.
United move up to 4th in the table, a point above City and just three points below the leaders Chelsea with a game in hand. The Manchester derby is due this weekend. Before that, a little matter of an away game in Germany.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.