Manchester United Player Ratings vs West Ham United: 7.5/10 for impressive Shaw, Fernandes; Greenwood gets 7

An own goal from Craig Dawson in the second half was enough for Manchester United to secure a 1-0 win over West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester United dominated possession in the first period, but West Ham held firm at the back, limiting the number of opportunities that the Red Devils created. Marcus Rashford had a couple of fine chances to break the deadlock, but failed to take them while Mason Greenwood forced a fine save from Lukas Fabianski as both teams were level at half-time.

Eight minutes into the second half, though, Manchester United went in front as a corner from Bruno Fernandes was inadvertently turned into his own net by West Ham centre-back Craig Dawson. The game opened up from that point on as the Hammers pushed for an equaliser while Manchester United had a couple of chances to increase their lead, but no goal was forthcoming.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men held on to their narrow lead and picked up a much-needed win to return to second place after having been dislodged by Leicester City earlier in the day with the Foxes’ having thrashed Sheffield United 5-0. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Manchester United stars at Old Trafford on Sunday night.

Dean Henderson: 6/10

Goals conceded by Dean Henderson in the Premier League this season:

0
1
2
0
0
0

A quiet shift tonight. ? pic.twitter.com/mNAS1zUDrX

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 14, 2021

Getting another start in David de Gea’s absence, the Englishman left behind his error from the game against AC Milan and did what was needed of him on the night. Not troubled a great deal by West Ham but showed good command in the box.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6.5/10

Booked in the first half for a challenge on Michail Antonio. Not tested much defensively as the Hammers spent most of the game defending deep. Needed to do a bit more in the attacking sense, though as he was not able to deliver any dangerous crosses into the box.

Victor Lindelof: 7/10

Did well against the physical Antonio, who was largely isolated at the top for the first half. Dealt with the pressure well after West Ham started to push for a goal in the second period. Distributed well from the back.

Harry Maguire: 7/10

A steady and solid display from the Manchester United skipper who organised his backline well, was a vocal presence on the field and carried the ball out with confidently from the back. Made a game-high seven clearances, while also winning the most aerials (5) on the night.

Luke Shaw: 7.5/10

Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. West Ham:

91% pass accuracy
40 final third passes
9 ball recoveries
3/3 tackles won
2 chances created
1 interception
1 block

So consistent. ? pic.twitter.com/W9NH70WG8R

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 14, 2021

Continues to show how important a player he has become for Manchester United this season. Was a constant attacking outlet down the left wing with his forward runs stretching the West Ham defence as he made two key passes. Fulfilled his defensive duties without any hiccup as well, making three tackles and an interception.

Scott McTominay: 7/10

The Scotsman kept things ticking for Manchester United in the middle. Looked to play progressive passes and drive the team forward but at times lacked the guile and vision to open up the West Ham defence. Did play a part in the only goal of the game with his attempted flicked header leading to Dawson’s error. Finished with four interceptions and 97% pass success rate.

Fred: 5/10

Back into the side after not starting against Milan in midweek, the Brazilian offered very little in terms of quality on the ball. Often chose to play the safer option or pass it backwards, slowing down attacks. Needs to do better especially against teams that employ a low block against Manchester United.

Daniel James: 5/10

Got another start, but it was largely owing to the injury-enforced absences in the attacking unit. Failed to make the most of his opportunity as he looked clueless in the final third for most of the game. Did complete four dribbles but those amounted to little on the night.

Bruno Fernandes: 7.5/10

Bruno Fernandes has created 82 chances in the Premier League this season, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.

Europe’s most productive playmaker. ? pic.twitter.com/XTYsSPDOok

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 14, 2021

Well aware of his qualities, West Ham paid special attention to the Portuguese playmaker on the night, managing to shackle him at times. But they were not able to completely nullify his influence. Played a lovely pass to send Greenwood through in the first half and then forced the own goal with a good delivery from the corner and had a shot well-saved by Fabianski as well. Ended the game with the most number of key passes (5).

Marcus Rashford: 5/10

Made a swift return from the ankle injury he picked up in the Manchester derby to start on Sunday night. However, he was guilty of missing two fine chances in the first half, heading wide from a Greenwood cross, then sending another tame header right at Fabianski. Made a few positive runs but was largely ineffective.

Mason Greenwood: 7/10

Mason Greenwood’s game by numbers vs. West Ham:

95% pass accuracy
5 shots — 4 inside the box
2 x woodwork hit
2 chances created
1 big chance created

An impressive performance despite the goal evading him. ? pic.twitter.com/o01ZWAF7bX

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 14, 2021

Looked the likeliest to make things happen in the first half as he constantly probed the West Ham defence. Delivered a fantastic cross for Rashford, who missed and produced another good run and cutback soon after. Almost opened the scoring with a lovely run and finish by Fabianski stood in the way. Struck the woodwork in the second half. Promising signs for the youngster who has had a difficult season so far.