A rare thing happened last night United, We took the lead! and scored after 33 seconds for the fastest goal this season! that was as good as it got.
Standing on the Stretford End it was a subdued atmosphere and the match despite a great start wasn't much better.
A few suprises were sprung as United again went in with no wingers and Cleverley, Rooney, Anderson and Carrick in midfield. Carrick and Anderson played very well and Carrick being the more defensive unit protected the back four, tackled well and broke up West Ham attacks very well. Anderson incisive running was a thorn in West Ham side. Cleverley did well but some passes went wayward and Rooney linked up well but cut a frustrated figure in the second half and some of his passing and attitude wasn't great and ended up being hooked off with 10 minutes to go.
United made a great start where a Carrick ball played to RVP who did a Bergkamp turn and flicked the ball over the advancing defender and lobbed Jaaskelainen via a deflection of James Collins. It was a fantastic start and the threat of a goal glut looked good. However, it didn't happen and as Sir Alex said after the game West ham made it difficult.
With RVP and Hernandez upfront they didn't get much change and were both reduced to half chances with Hernandez unlucky with a first half effort which Jaaskelainen made a superb save. West Ham with Nolan and Carroll upfront didn't offer too much and Carroll was taken off and replaced by Carlton Cole who posed a serious threat in the last 20 minutes but Evans and Smalling managed to limit him.
The defence although kept only its third clean sheet this season were at full stretch in the second half as Rafael and Evra were old fashioned wing backs. Rafael had a storming game and up and down the pitch and put in some very good crosses and some very timely tackles.
The winger situation improved when Ashley Young came on but he made some weak crosses and this led to frustration on the terraces as the game was on a knife edge. A late effort by West Ham was saved by Lindegaard and United held on for 3 points and top of the table.
Not the best match I have seen but 3 points and there will have to be some serious improvement when United visit City in 2 weeks time.
Man of the match was Michael Carrick who dominated the midfield and was the anchor man for everything United did. Anderson and Rafael ran him close but Carrick calmness and passing was the difference between the two teams.
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