Manchester United came back from behind to salvage a point against West Ham United, courtesy a Mason Greenwood strike in the second half.
Manchester United dominated possession as expected for the majority of the first period, but couldn’t really test the West Ham United goalkeeper. And it was the visitors who broke the deadlock as Michail Antonio made no mistake from the penalty spot after a bizarre handball in the box from Paul Pogba.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side showed greater cutting edge after the half-time break, and it paid off as Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood combined beautifully before the latter buried home the equaliser. However, neither team could force a winner as the game petered out to a 1-1 draw.
The result, combined with Chelsea’s 5-3 loss to Liverpool, meant Manchester United are now third in the table and need just the one point from their final game against fifth-placed Leicester City to ensure qualification for the Champions League next season.
#MUFC are held at Old Trafford.#MUNWHU @Chevrolet
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 22, 2020
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Manchester United stars in what was another dull display.
David de Gea: 6/10
The Spaniard, after his horror showing against Chelsea, had little to do for most of the first half against West Ham apart from picking the ball from the net after Antonio beat him from the spot. Made a fine save to deny Jarrod Bowen’s deflected effort in the second half.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah: 3/10
Handed another surprise start, this time at right-back, his selection backfired for Solskjaer on the night. The Dutchman was hardly convincing at either end of the pitch. Failed to produce quality end product when attacking, while he gave away the free-kick that eventually led to the penalty with a rash challenge. Unsurprisingly subbed off at half-time.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
Had his task cut out against the physical threat of Antonio, but did fairly well over the course of the game to deal with the Hammers’ attack. Could have been more progressive with his passing, however. Still, an improvement on his performance against Chelsea.
Harry Maguire: 6.5/10
Much like his partner, the Manchester United captain, too, did well to cope with the pressure from the visitors. Positioned himself well to cut out a number of attacks, while being an imposing presence within the box. Looked to stride out of defence with the ball, but most of his passing was sideways.
Brandon Williams: 6/10
Starting again in the absence of Luke Shaw, the youngster was immersed in an intense battle with Jarrod Bowen throughout the game. Worked incredibly hard, even though there were occasions when he got caught out at the back. Showed great energy going forward as well and created a couple of opportunities which weren’t taken by his teammates.
Paul Pogba: 3/10
Pogba playing volleyball. Pain. pic.twitter.com/B8BSuBoju5
— KG (@luis_mcswagg) July 22, 2020
Back into the starting XI after being left out on the bench in the FA Cup game, the Frenchman, in a moment of brainfade, gave away the penalty which West Ham made the most of. Didn’t do much before or after that incident to make an impact on the game. One of his poorest displays since returning from injury.
Nemanja Matic: 6/10
Swept up things in front of the defence well, but slowed down things when on the ball as he seemed to take a touch or two more than needed every time. Seemed to grow tired and scratchy as the game wore on, conceding a few unnecessary free-kicks. Perhaps, Solskjaer could have benefited from replacing him with either Fred or Scott McTominay for the final phase of the game.
Mason Greenwood: 7/10
Mason Greenwood’s game by numbers vs. West Ham:
90% pass accuracy
23 final third passes
3 shots (2 on target)
3 ball recoveries
2/3 take-ons
1 big chance created
1 goalA truly special talent. ??? pic.twitter.com/R9ggxymVvl
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2020
Back into the side to make his 50th United appearance, the teenage sensation worked hard to try and make things happen in the final third. Had a half-chance in the first half, which he couldn’t take, but made no mistake in the second half as he combined neatly with Martial before unleashing a bullet of a finish with his left foot. Has now scored 17 goals in the season.
Bruno Fernandes: 5/10
Started off well, creating opportunities early on. Then, had the best chance of the first half, but his control let him down. Got the feeling that he was trying too hard at times, with his attempts to create openings not always coming off. Tired and frustrated as the time wore on, booked for a melee with Arthur Masuaku. Hasn’t looked at his sharpest in the last couple of games.
Marcus Rashford: 3/10
Apart from a brilliant pass to create a chance for Fernandes in the first half, the England international did little of note on the night. Lacked any sort of threat or cutting edge throughout the game. Did sting the palms of the palms of Lukasz Fabianski in the first half, but that was as good as it got for Rashford.
Anthony Martial: 6.5/10
Suffered due to the lack of creativity from the players around him, but tried to make the most of whatever chances came his way. Tested Fabianski early on after being played in by Fernandes and had a shot blocked in the second half. Great link up to play Greenwood in for the equalising goal.
Substitutes
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6.5/10
Replaced Fosu-Mensah at half-time and immediately the difference was seen at both ends of the pitch. Got forward well and delivered a couple of dangerous balls into the box, while tightening things up at the back.
Despite him coming on at half time, no Manchester United player made more interceptions (4) or won more tackles (2) than Aaron Wan-Bissaka vs. West Ham.
A solid individual performance. ? pic.twitter.com/N11hVHgfIi
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2020
Odion Ighalo: N/A
Late substitute for Rashford. Missed a decent chance after coming on.
