Saturday 5 December 2015

Match report: United 0-0 West Ham

United slipped to fourth in the Premier League after another frustrating case of deja vu against away day specialists West Ham at OT.

The Reds were unable to take advantage of City's defeat at Stoke earlier in the day and are now level on points with our cross town rivals, one point behind second placed Arsenal and three behind leaders Leicester. 

As has been the case in nearly every match this season, we dominated the game (61% possession with 21 shots on goal) but again struggled to break down the visitors for a sixth goalless stalemate of the season.

The Hammers had the better chances in the contest as they hit the post twice in quick succession through Mauro Zarate and a Winston Reid header. 

The first half was more open and played at a quicker tempo than in some of the Reds recent home encounters.
Victor Moses, whom would later be forced off with injury, spurned a super early chance for the visitors when he latched onto Mark Noble's through ball only to be denied by a brilliant block from the advancing David de Gea. 


Zarate lashed inches wide and Marouane Fellaini, handed a rare start, forced a smart stop from the sprawling Adrian in the Reds best opening. 

Lone striker Anthony Martial also went close for the Reds whilst Juan Mata was narrowly off target after neat interplay that had involved Fellaini, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Martial.

Substitute Memphis crossed for Martial whom guided a first time effort inches wide and then Jesse Lingard smashed a volley over the bar after West Ham failed to clear a set-piece.

To add to the Reds frustrations, Morgan Schneiderlin left the field injured-replaced by Michael Carrick- whilst Louis van Gaal handed a senior debut to another Academy graduate, Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela.

Ultimately then, a missed opportunity because of the opportunities we missed in front of goal-again- but an improved performance as attention turns to the do-or-die European match in Wolfsburg on Tuesday. 

Overall team performance: 6.5/10
United Faithful Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger 








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