RACE FOR TOP 4: MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 WEST HAM

 MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 WEST HAM UNITED 

GAME REVIEW

-Samarth Purohit

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: premierleague.com

Manchester United faced West Ham at Old Trafford, needing a win to keep their top 4 challenge alive. The game was tight throughout, although Man United were arguably the better side, looking much better than their other, recent performances.

The match was an important fixture for both teams and will go far in determining who goes to Europe and who does not. Manchester United temporarily sits atop the top 4 position, though Arsenal and/or Tottenham are likely to displace the Red Devils at that spot.

The biggest contribution this match will hold isn't just the 3 points, but the momentum that the Red Devils have gained. If they keep up their form, Europe does not look far away.

United's defence has gotten much stronger, with Harry Maguire having a solid performance after returning from injury, and Varane proving why he was the perfect CB for the club. Fullbacks Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot were both competent, with the latter particularly impressing with both his offensive and defensive capabilities.

Mctominay in particular had a brilliant game, with his workrate and calculated aggression proving that if nothing else, his passion for Manchester United is motivating him. Fred was rather strong as well, making forward passes far more often than he did under Ole.

Bruno Fernandes carried the creativity of the team on his back, and created chances where he could. Again, his work rate and selflessness are almost unparalleled in top level midfielders, though his long passes and finishing seemed a bit lacklustre in this game.

Mason Greenwood tracked back, made important tackles at the back, dribbled past the midfield and much of the defence, but proved unable to score a goal. The youngster was often on the precipice of a goal contribution, but passing was a bit slow, and he couldn't quite penetrate the London team's defence, while Elanga was adequate on the left wing and proved that whatever rivals may say, Carrington still produces incredible talents. The young winger will have time to refine his Game, and it is clear he will need it as he was very average on the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't receive the service he required to connect, and made a few crucial errors when it came to finishing. However, CR7 tracked back and help progress the ball a bit more in difficult situations, and it proved to be a relatively tight and decent performance for the Portuguese star.

Substitutes Cavani and Martial didn't get much time, but were vital to the last-minute goal, while Rashford played well, scoring the winner in extra time. Hopefully, this will prove a return to form for the forward, as he's now scored off the bench in both the last 2 games.

All in all, the future is uncertain for Manchester United, but hopeful. The club can look forward to the next few fixtures, as it seems they will ultimately decide the Top 4. The game was an even one, with defensive issues seemingly fixed. Sancho was missed from the game due to personal issues but his creativity will prove vital for the EPL giants to return to Europe under Rangnick.


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