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Match Report – Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United

Competition: Barclays Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 5:30pm, Sunday 28th August
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (Home)
Attendance: 75,061


There aren’t much easy games in the Premier League these days, but Saturday’s clash with West Ham United at Old Trafford was far from tough. Wayne Rooney got his name back on the score-sheet from the penalty spot, as Ryan Giggs was felled inside the box. Luis Nani and Dimitar Berbatov then wrapped-up the victory in the second half, after a number of efforts were saved by Hammers’ goalkeeper Robert Green.

Rooney returned to the starting line-up after suffering a stomach bug last weekend, alongside an on-fire Berbatov. The evergreen Paul Scholes remained in the center of the park, with Nemanja Vidic retaining the captains armband.

After a poor late display against Fulham last Sunday, The Reds’ were determined to get back to winning ways. Rooney saw an early effort comfortably saved by England International keeper Green before more of the same ensued. Nani’s long-range shot was palmed off the crossbar and away.

In the 33rd minute, Giggs was tackled from behind inside by box by Jonathan Spector who escaped a booking despite being nowhere near the ball. Rooney stepped-up, and predictably sent Green the wrong way – scoring his first goal since the 13th March…

Before the break, Darren Fletcher’s curling shot from just outside the box was punched away by the goalie, while Nani failed to chip Green – despite being one-on-one with the West Ham no. 1.

In the second half, Kieron Dyer hit the post after some good West Ham build-up. However, Avram Grant’s side never looked like scoring much at all. United have the best record against The Hammers than against any other Premier League side – and it was inevitable that Sir Alex’s men would score and score again.

Nani took the ball past six defenders on the right, before running across the edge of the box sending the ball past Green from 18-yards out with his left foot !

On the hour mark, United should have been leading by about 4 goals. But despite the 8 shots on target, it was just 2-0. West Ham have Green to thank for the game not entering a cricket scoreline. But despite his good performance, Green could do nothing about The Red’s third…

John O’Shea passed the ball to Nani down the right flank, who turned and lobbed to Berba on the back post. With defenders scurrying across to block the Bulgarian’s shot – he calmly scissor-kicked into the back of the net. Game over, and the scoring over too – surprisingly. 

Sir Alex made three changes entering the final stages of the game, with Chris Smalling replacing Jonny Evans, Michael Carrick entering the fray in place of Paul Scholes and Michale Owen replacing Dimitar Berbatov.

There was quite a few chances to improve our goal difference late on, but the boss will be happy with all 3 points and all 3 goals, as United go into 3rd going into a two-week International break…

  
United Team: Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans, (Chris Smalling ’74), Ryan Giggs, Luis Nani, Paul Scholes (Michael Carrick ’74), Darren Fletcher, Dimitar Berbatov (Michael Owen ’74), Wayne Rooney.

Goals: Rooney (penalty) ’33, Nani ’50, Berbatov ’69
Bookings: Berbatov ’69

• Video Highlights: United 3-0 West Ham