Marcus Rashford scored a dramatic stoppage time winner to give Manchester United all three points against West Ham.
The hard fought win boosts the Reds into the top four with both Arsenal and Tottenham to play later today.
A tough game that looked destined for a stalemate, ended in incredible fashion as the never-say-die Reds conjured up a classic ‘Fergie Time’ winner.
Rashford came on as a second half substitute and was on the end of a move in the dying embers that saw Edinson Cavani roll the ball across the line for Rashford to slot home.
First Half – Reds looking dangerous but no breakthrough
Buoyed from the second half display in midweek against Brentford, the Reds tried to set the tone early on against the Hammers in a bid to win one of the most important games of the season.
However, slow ball progression hampered the attacks and allowed the visitors to drop into their defensive shape.
The energy off the ball was exceptional considering the team played just three days ago – high energy pressing was an aspect that excited the Old Trafford crowd.
Mason Greenwood was the first to show any real signs of threat after four minutes when he was played in by Bruno Fernandes only to see his effort blocked by Craig Dawson.
Harry Maguire made a steady return back to first team action with him stopping Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio from causing any real danger.
The crowd were in full voice and thought that Cristiano Ronaldo had scored a trademark header when he just missed out on Fernandes’ delightful delivery towards the far post.
Goalmouth action hit a lull period for 15-20 minutes but then Ronaldo went down in the penalty area after Kurt Zouma came through the back of the Portuguese but the referee and VAR deemed it as no foul.
West Ham ended the half in the ascendency but Scott McTominay thwarted a late attempt by the visitors to create an opening just before the break.
Second Half – Rashford snatches win in late drama
United finally forced a save out of Alphonse Areola when a lucky bounce fell to Fred who lashed one towards the near post but the French international was equal to it.
The visitors had not given David De Gea an awful lot to do but Jarrod Bowen came close on 54 minutes when he rifled an effort into the side netting.
There was a great chance for Raphael Varane moments later from an Alex Telles corner but the defender nodded his effort just over the bar. Anthony Elanga then tried his luck with his right foot – but the effort spun wide.
That would prove to be the Swedish youngster’s final touch as he was replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Bowen’s direct runs were a real feature for the Hammers in the final 20 minutes as the visitors aimed to seize the initiative in the closing stages.
United had been pushed back and were not able to create any real opportunities. Only a wild Fernandes shot that flew over the bar, kept the play out of United’s half.
Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial were brought on in the 82nd minute in a last ditch attempt from Ralf Rangnick to win the game.
But it was the visitors who then came very close when Tomas Soucek’s header flashed wide of the post from a Declan Rice free-kick.
It was a nervy final few minutes with the Hammers looking the more likely to score but Martial’s snapshot was the only real chance for United.
But then, Marcus Rashford was in the right place at the right time as he tapped in from close range – Old Trafford went into raptures but VAR announced it was checking the goal for offside but Cavani was onside resulting in all three points for the Reds.
