Five things discovered after Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over West Ham
The 3-0 victory over West Ham United by Manchester United taught us five things.
Five things we discovered after Manchester United defeated David Moyes’ West Ham United 3-0.
Alejandro Garnacho’s brace and Rasmus Hojlund’s goal put Erik ten Hag’s team well in the running for Champions League football.
Five things that we discovered.
Hojlund is making the correct moves
Rasmus Hojlund did not score in any of his first 14 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, but since winning the game against Aston Villa 3-2, he is now a constant scorer for United.
It was a sumptuous goal to open the scoring at Old Trafford. After good work from Casemiro, who nipped in to play it through to Hojlund, the Dane cut back onto his weaker right foot and rifled it past Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal.
Questions were beginning to be asked about the now 21-year-old but the birthday boy is finally beginning to show why United paid so much for the Danish forward.
Maguire and Martinez very impressive
Raphael Varane missed the game at Old Trafford, presumably to protect the Frenchman from injury by playing two games a week, and in his place, Harry Maguire was brought in.
The English defender was exceptional, proving, once again, that he can be relied upon by Ten Hag and is a more than capable deputy for the former Real Madrid defender.
As for Lisandro Martinez, there was considerable worry when the Argentine was receiving strapping on the same foot that has caused him issues over the past few months against Wolves, but he was vital once again against the Hammers.
His confidence on the ball allows the Red Devils to play without fear and through the lines, something they have struggled with this campaign.
Onana also impressive
It has been a tough time for the United goalkeeper Andre Onana but the Cameroon international was very assured in his performance against the Hammers.
He made two outstanding saves in particular for the Red Devils with one that David De Gea would have been proud of as the 27-year-old made a superb reaction save in the first half.
After his disappointing exploits with Cameroon, Onana made his return against Wolves but it was the victory over the Hammers that showed the best of the former Ajax goalkeeper.
He nearly had an assist to his name too with his long, raking pass towards Garnacho nearly got the Argentine in on goal but the winger couldn’t get his shot off. Nevertheless, he was very impressive.
Martinez injury seen
Despite Varane being rested for this game, the Frenchman was needed for the final 20 minutes of the game at Old Trafford as it appeared that Martinez has suffered yet another problem.
It was not on his foot that he had strapped against Wolves, however, it was his knee that seemed to buckle when he was tussling with Vladimir Coufal and it did not look good.
Martinez tried to carry on but he was in some discomfort and had to be replaced by the Frenchman. Losing Martinez for a long period of time would be another huge blow.
Garnacho highly fantastic
After what has been a tough season for Ten Hag and United, these two victories, in very different circumstances could be vital for the Dutchman.
One man, in particular, who has really come into his own since moving to a new position is Garnacho. The Argentine looks much more assured on the right and is starting to deliver consistently in the final third.
His first was a deflected effort but the second was a calm finish after a Scott McTominay assist, and he is now performing week in, week out.
With Ten Hag’s best team on the pitch, Garnacho included, United look like a different animal and a run of victories would go a long way for the remainder of the season.
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