Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s half-time changes made all the difference as Manchester United completed a comeback to secure a 3-1 win at West Ham in the Premier League.
West Ham had the upper hand from the get-go, with Manchester United having the lion’s share of possession but failing to carve out opportunities and space against a well-oiled Hammers structure. David Moyes got his tactics right and was rewarded for the same with chance after chance in the first-half.
The home side finally made it count in front of their 2,000 fans with a set-piece, not to anyone’s surprise. A shoddy defensive setup meant there was no one on the line to stop Tomas Soucek to latch on the ball in the far corner and slot it home for the opener.
West Ham were unlucky not to go into the break with a greater lead and it came back to haunt them in the second half, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deciding to ring in the changes. Paul Pogba scored a screamer of an effort to equalize before Mason Greenwood showed just why he is lauded for his finishing with a turning half-volley in the box to give United the lead.
Marcus Rashford was through on goal, thanks to Juan Mata’s silky through ball and the English international made the chance count on this occasion to give United the cushion and complete another comeback win. This creates a new club record for number of away league wins on the trot. Let us take a look at how the stars fared on Saturday.
Dean Henderson – 6
A disappointing outing for Henderson, who is hopeful of taking David de Gea’s place in due course. His inability to build the setup on the corner saw United concede and while he did make good saves, he was often left underwhelmed in what was his first full Premier League start as a Manchester United player.
Did show urgency and accuracy in his long-range distribution and make a total of 5 saves, part of which ensured United went into half-time just one goal down. Lucky to have not conceded after being left for dust by Sebastien Haller, who slipped. An opportunity missed.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7.5
Aaron Wan-Bissaka won 8/8 tackles vs. West Ham, 4x more than any other player on the pitch.
That recovery tackle proved to be absolutely huge. ? pic.twitter.com/Hy3TfO4rxJ
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2020
Wan-Bissaka’s defensive contribution had waned off a bit in the last few matches. But, against a West Ham side hell bent on using his side to attack, Wan-Bissaka was up to the task. Made a total of 8 successful tackles on the day, 4 times of the next highest in the match, and made sure his flank was safer than usual.
Needs to do better at finding his teammates with simple passes when under pressure though.
Victor Lindelof – 6.5
A better performance than the one at PSG, the Iceman ended up with more headers won (5) than his partner Harry Maguire (4). To do so with a towering Sebastien Haller facing you is no easy task and that helped Manchester United’s cause. Was wrong-footed a couple of times and it is something he would want to avoid in the future.
Harry Maguire – 6.5
A decent performance but at times, it felt like Maguire was overwhelmed by the constant movement of Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals inside. Made 7 clearances, showing just how important he is at the back for United, despite the criticism he continues to receive on social media platforms.
Alex Telles – 6.5
Did well but was often left for dust by Jarrod Bowen, who was a constant thorn on the Brazilian’s flank. Did get an assist but Greenwood deserves more of a credit for converting the ball into a goal with his incredulous instincts and finishing prowess.
Scott McTominay – 6.5
Scott McTominay once again had a silent but stellar game.
— 84 touches
— 64 passes
— 90.1% pass accuracy
— 4/6 long balls
— 6/8 ground duels
— 2 tackles
— 1 blocked shotHe had lots of of responsibility today to man that pivot & he did it well — growing.
— ManUtdSense (@SensibleUtd) December 5, 2020
Covered every inch of the grass on the pitch and saw out nervy moments in midfield with calmness. Growing into a key player for Manchester United whenever available.
Paul Pogba – 7
Pogba might be inconsistent but when he gets going, there is no better midfielder and the second half was evidence of the same. His screamer was top drawer and his passes were crisp and accurate.
Mason Greenwood – 7
Had a poor first-half but picked up intensity in the second and his goal was proof of why he is hailed as a generational talent. The ability to take the pass in that angle and then convert it into a goalscoring opportunity is good. But, to score in the manner he did with it, is exceptional. Needed this goal for his confidence.
Donny van de Beek – 5
A poor game by his standards. Deployed in a role similar to Bruno Fernandes, van de Beek found himself cramped for space in the first-half, owing mostly a brilliant defensive structure by West Ham when not in possession. A rare off outing for the Dutchman.
Anthony Martial – 5
Looked bereft of confidence and he even had issues with controlling the ball at times. Needs to have a game or two off to perhaps, work on himself.
Edinson Cavani – 6
Stifled for room and starving for service, Cavani had to come off with an injury and Ole would hope he can have the experienced finisher back in no time. Would be frustrated at not having topped his first full Premier League start with a goal.
Substitutions
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Bruno Fernandes created 8 chances from open play vs. West Ham, the most any player has created in a Premier League game this season.
He came on at half-time. ??? pic.twitter.com/raRNF9ROcm
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2020
What a player the Portuguese international is turning out to be. The numbers alone speak of his talent. Created 8 chances in the game, most by any player in any Premier League game this season, and he was on the pitch for just half-a game. Unlucky not to have gotten an assist as Rashford hit the post but the influence he carries on the pitch is just hypnotising.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Chances created in the Premier League this season:
35 — Bruno Fernandes (?)
34 —
33 —
32 —
31 —
30 —
29 —
28 — Kevin De Bruyne (?)
27 —
26 — Jack Grealish (?)It’s lonely at the top. ? pic.twitter.com/YMDFIuPDdY
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2020
Had the most number of successful dribbles in the game (3), having only played half the game. Missed a one-on-one opportunity by hitting the far post but redeemed himself with a calm finish from Juan Mata’s pass. His runs wreaked havoc and the West Ham players found it difficult to cope with Rashford and Fernandes.
Juan Mata – 7
Juan Mata in all competitions this season:
⏰ 549 minutes
⚽️ 3 goals
?️ 2 assistsA goal or assist every 110 minutes. ? pic.twitter.com/j9cbEW0HC6
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2020
Got Juan assist for the sublime pass to Rashford that sliced the West Ham defence. Crazy to believe but Mata looks like the second best creative player in the side after Bruno Fernandes. The Spaniard’s industry and vision is still top-notch and he has been an asset for United this season.
