Rashford decisive as Manchester United defeat West Ham

• Manchester United hosted West Ham United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday
• Both teams came from a victory in the Europa League and Conference League respectively on Thursday
• A goal from Marcus Rashford ensured United sealed all the three points to leapfrog Chelsea in the table

On Sunday, Marcus Rashford’s 100th goal for Manchester United helped the Red Devils defeat West Ham 1-0 in the Premier League.

Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo received rare league starts from United, but Rashford stole the show by reaching his milestone with a superb header in the 38th minute.

When West Ham applied some late pressure, David De Gea was in fine form after appearing uninspired for lengthy stretches. The United goalkeeper made three key stops.

The win moves Erik ten Hag’s squad up to fifth place in the Premier League standings, one point behind Newcastle United in fourth place with one game remaining.

As United dominated the opening exchanges, Ronaldo fired a long-range effort that Lukasz Fabianski saved before Rashford cut inside and deflected a shot onto the top of the goal.

After surviving the initial storm, West Ham managed to escape when, after 36 minutes, Anthony Elanga horribly misfired a shot from only six yards out.

Rashford, however, gave United the lead right away after meeting Christian Eriksen’s looping cross with a superb header over Fabianski.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford scored a header to win the game against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, October 30 2022. | PHOTO: Courtesy |

After the interval, United kept up the pressure, but Ronaldo’s left-footed attempt after Rashford’s reverse pass could have been better. David de Gea then deflected Michail Antonio’s powerful shot over the crossbar.

Then, after Maguire blocked a shot from Jarrod Bowen, De Gea produced a great reflex save off of Kurt Zouma’s header and stopped Declan Rice from close range. Before that, replacement Fred had nodded against the right-hand post at the other end, a close call that did not prove costly.

After watching Chelsea lose to Brighton and Hove Albion in disgrace on Saturday, United went into their final home league game before the World Cup break hoping to establish their top-four credentials.

West Ham came close during a last period of pressure, but United succeeded in doing it. After losing six of their previous 13 Premier League home games before to that stretch, the Red Devils have now lost just one of their last 15 home games (W9 D5).

Few would bet against United winning the Champions League if they can keep making their home a fortress.

With his goal, Rashford became the 22nd player for United to reach 100 goals across all competitions and the first since Wayne Rooney, the club’s all-time leading scorer, did it in 2009.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, Oct 30 2022. | PHOTO: Courtesy |

Even though it was only his seventh goal with his head in club football, the England international looked every bit the seasoned aerial presence as he powered home.

David Moyes, who took over for the great Alex Ferguson in 2013 but only lasted less than a year, has never had a good time at Old Trafford.

The West Ham manager has never defeated the Red Devils on the road in the Premier League; his teams have posted four draws and 12 losses from their 16 visits, scoring only 10 goals. Moyes has failed to hold United accountable for their choice to fire him.

On Thursday, United play their final Europa League group stage match at Real Sociedad, while West Ham play FCSB in the Europa Conference League.