Marcus Rashford’s 100th goal was enough to send Manchester United to fifth position as they managed to hold on against West ham United at Old Trafford.
A game mostly dominated by the home side witnessed a different type of atmosphere as a number of fringe players were given a chance to prove their worth. The home side was buoyant by their recent performances and pushed from the start for that winner.
Marcus Rashford rose higher to meet Christian Eriksen’s pass as the 24-year-old scored his sixth goal of the season. The Hammers did knock on United’s door with a number of gilt-edged chances but a stubborn David de Gea knocked back Kurt Zouma and Declan Rice with two gorgeous saves.
The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Erik ten Hag’s men.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2022
David de Gea: 8/10
A monumental performance from the United custodian. The Spaniard pulled off two massive saves from Kurt Zouma and Declan Rice and kept the tempo ticking. That new contract could be there in the offing very soon.
Diogo Dalot: 8/10
Had two key interceptions through his header to deny the Hammers any chances. Took central positions at times and ventured forward with his runs. Proved to be a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s system.
Lisandro Martinez: 7/10
The West Ham attackers had very little joy as the Argentine was aerially impenetrable. Won his aerial duels with Michail Antonio pretty convincingly and covered the backline very well.
Harry Maguire: 6/10
Looked sloppy at times as he took time to settle into the match. Had a number of good coverings but needs to be sharper with his passing. A decent performance from the Englishman.
Luke Shaw: 7/10
Had a number of enticing forward runs but the end product was pretty disappointing. Defended with full intent but the visitors slid through his side a few times as they kept pushing for that elusive goal.
Casemiro: 7/10
Was involved in his usual no-nonsense play. Stretched the game well but a couple of missed passes disrupted his rhythm. Emerged as a vital cog in the midfield and should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Christian Eriksen: 8/10
The Dane had another tidy performance and complimented his midfield partner delightfully. Took up very good positions at times and curled in a beautiful ball for Rashford’s goal.
Anthony Elanga: 4/10
Hardly helped the team in building attacks. A poor performance.
Bruno Fernandes: 6/10
Laid the ball to Eriksen just before the midfielder latched a cross. Played wayward throughout the match as his incisiveness has been missing for the last few matches. Will miss the Aston Villa game after accumulating five yellow cards.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
An extra mark for that towering header. Eriksen’s cross was perfectly timed and the United forward leapt high in the air to beat the presence of Thilo Kehrer as he netted his 100th United goal.
100 goals for this special club! I’ve been here since I was 7 years old and came through every single age group and played on every single pitch so I want to thanks all the staff, my family and team mates that have helped make this achievement possible 💯 pic.twitter.com/GRplZmcY4y
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) October 30, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10
Linked up well with the other players and had a couple of chances. But his fierce pace has diminished and it remains to be seen how the manager uses him in the remaining matches.
Substitutes
Scott McTominay: 6/10
Ten Hag introduced an extra pair of extra legs to nullify West Ham’s press. Fred almost scored the second from his cross.
Fred: N/A
Didn’t play enough to guarantee a rating.
