Manchester United defeated West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford to celebrate its 21st birthday with a dominant victory in their fourth straight Premier League match.
In Short
Two more goals from Alejandro Garnacho compounded the visiting team’s problems. Now, six points behind Tottenham in fourth place in the Premier League standings, United has risen to sixth place. Rasmus Højlund initiated the scoring in the middle of the first half, capitalizing on a defensive error by West Ham. The goal was scored by the Danish international, who now has goals in four straight Premier League games.
Just three minutes into the second half, Emerson provided a good opportunity for the Hammers, but United extended their lead within a minute as Garnacho intercepted the ball and scored, leaving the visitors struggling to recover.
Happy birthday, Rasmus 🎂❤️#MUFC || #MUNWHU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 4, 2024
Despite West Ham’s efforts to come back into the game, a notable moment occurred when Diogo Delot successfully challenged Jarrod Bowen, leading to a counter-attack that resulted in a goal for United. Kelvin Phillips had a difficult start to his loan move, losing possession in midfield and allowing Garnacho to find the net.
Manchester United moved up to sixth place in the Premier League rankings with this significant victory over West Ham. The three young talents – Højlund (21), Garnacho (19), and Manu (18) – showcased their potential, hinting at brighter days ahead for United.
Player of the Match: Alejandro Garnacho
Best Player of the Match: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
View gol dan selebrasi cool Garnacho, Hojlund, dan Mainoo dari tribun penonton.
— United About (@utdabout) February 4, 2024
The future of Manchester United. 🌟pic.twitter.com/6YnDNwUm7M
In a match where the forwards on both sides displayed their abilities, Garnacho stood out and alleviated any anxiety for United with his goals and defensive contributions. The Argentine’s performance at Old Trafford is shaping up to be a more illustrious career than even the revered trio of Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and George Best.
Match Ratings
Manchester United
Onana 7; Dalot 7, Maguire 6, Martinex 7, Shaw 7; Manu 6, Casimiro 7; Garnacho 8, Fernandes 7, Rashford 6; Hojlund 7. Substitutes: Mactominay 6, Varane 6, Lindelof 6, Anthony 6.
West Ham
Areola 6; Johnson 6, Zouma 5, Eguerd 6; Kufal 6, Soucek 6, Alvarez 7, Emerson 6; Kudus 6, Ward-Prowse 6; Bowen 5. Substitutes: Fabianski 6, Philips 6, Cornet 6.
Key Moments
• 12′: Onana makes a superb save as Ward-Prowse’s corner causes chaos, and Soucek’s header is deflected by Casimiro, but the United goalkeeper sees the ball all the way and makes a clean save.
• 23′: Goal! Manchester United 1-0 West Ham (Hojlund): Hojlund smashes the ball into the bottom right corner from Casimiro’s well-won ball, drilling it past Eguerd before unleashing a shot at goal.
• 48′: Emerson had plenty of time… Maguire made a sliding challenge, and Emerson tried to control the ball with the intention of setting up a teammate, but the ball went out of his control and traveled quite a distance.
• 49′: Goal! Manchester United 2-0 West Ham (Garnacho): Garnacho turns inside Emerson and then attacks the goal, and it deflects off Eguerd, leaving Fabianski with no chance.
• 70′: Dalot faces a big challenge! Bowen goes behind Maguire and was on goal, but perhaps his mind went a bit high, and Dalot showed a strong desire to block his shot.
• 84′: Goal! Manchester United 3-0 West Ham (Garnacho): Philips loses the ball to Mactominay in midfield, and he races towards Garnacho before slipping the ball into the penalty area, where Garnacho slides it home.
