Not quite on par with visits in 1992 and 1995 where United went on to lose the title but last night result coupled with Carlos Tevez late winner at the Etihad Stadium has delayed the championship party for another week.
United went into the game with one change from the Stoke game with Phil Jones going to midfield and Rooney pushed up front with Rafael coming in at right back. West Ham were at full strength and a good game looked likely at a packed Upton Park.
West Ham started busy with Nolan and Carroll terrorising the defence and Diame and Vaz Te troubling the full back department. United started sluggish compared to previous away games at Stoke and Sunderland and West Ham keen to amongst them definitely upset United rhytmn. Carroll went close with a rasping shot across the goal to which Nolan tried to touch. The 17th Minute saw Jarvis whip in a cross which was met by Carroll and the nod in by Vaz Te broke the deadlock. United looked disjointed and it took to 30 minutes to get the groove going and a move by RVP and Kagawa down the left saw the latter burst into the box and square a tap in to Valencia for his first of the season become United's 20th player to score in the Premiership.
Kagawa was becoming a big influence on the team and his touch and pass were causing West Ham big headaches but the half ended with a West Ham corner and after the usual going on's at corners Andy Carroll decided to charge at De Gea after he cleared the ball. Evra also came off worst and Sir Alex was incensed as no punishment was given but testament to De Gea he got up and got on with the game. The lad is becoming a tough nut in the premiership and that knock will see that he is no easy push over.
The second half saw the Reds nearly take the lead when RVP fed Jones but he spoilt the chance, De Gea was getting more grief of Carroll but he stood up well and the ref decided that Carroll went too far and booked him. The Hammers then took the lead when Diame scored with a peach of a 20 yarder where De Gea had no chance and the Hammers were now on top. United dug in and began to get on top with Kagawa and Carrick pulling the strings in the midfield area. Jaaskelainen pulled off a great save from RVP but would have been offside had it gone in and United were turning the screw.
Rooney also went close when Jaaskelainen spilled the shot through his hands but O'Neill cleared off the line. RVP also had a header which was turned over the bar and United were still composed but time was running out. Giggs came on for Rooney to boost the midfield numbers. The 75th minute saw Carrick feed the ball to Kagawa who turned brilliantly and his shot beat Jaaskelainen hit both posts and the ball fell to RVP who smashed the ball high into the net. That was Kagawa last piece of action as Hernandez replaced him.
United cranked up the pressure but West Ham held firm and a last minute chance for Hernandez took a tackle by Carroll to save the day.
United lead now down to 13 points with City a game in hand but I feel it was a point gained. Man of the match was Kagawa who never wasted the ball and assisted both goals. A workman like performance.
Next up for United is Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday Night.
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