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Away at West Ham on 5th Dec

Team selection

Cavani, Donny and Henderson in goal getting a start with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Looks good on paper but West Ham can frustrate the visitors. West Ham's position on the table is also a testimony to their form and cannot be taken lightly. For the first time we had fans returning and irrespective of the team they support, I am sure the players would have liked it. 

First half    

Cavani down the middle, Martial on the left and Van De Beek for the link up play. Pogba and McTominay playing the defensive midfield role and it is understood that Pogba's instinct is always to move forward. First half had hardly anything for ManUtd, Cavani's early striker runs did not have supply and Donny's one touch passes never really contributed to any penetrating moves. Cavani and Donny trying to make a mark, Martial down the left which is not so happening position for the French man. Pogba was still unsure of playing a defensive or offensive part. West Ham with a 4-2 in the middle nullified any sort of advance from the Red Devils. Cavani in a bid to help his midfield dropped back and this added to the congestion and no forward moment. Congested midfield and the turn overs added to the frustration. A goal from the Hammers in the 38th Min was more deserving and almost closed it for ManUtd, thanks to a half side and the post that saved the day.

Second Half

With a Champions League game in the midweek, plans of resting a few players was not working for Ole. In came Fernandes and Rashford replacing the new signings. The initial sprout of energy from the Hammers fizzed out and a moment of brilliance from Fernandes and Pogba turned the tide United way. Moments later, Greenwood's subtle first touch to change direction and a shot at goal found the back of the net in the 68th Min. Post Martial's substitution with a slight niggle saw Mata coming in. This allowed Rashford some run down the middle and the phase was something that the Hammers could not coupe with. In a bid to equalise, the Hammers played a high line and that was enough for a floating ball from Mata to Rashford who duly put the ball in the back of the net in the 78th min and sealed any hope of a Hammers' fightback.          

Fernandes' movement across the pitch in anticipation needs a lot of appreciation and I believe that made all the difference for the United midfield post his recruitment.               

Fluctuating fortunes, pandemic pressure and the number of games in close proximity is taking the toll on the players and pressure ever so slowly creeping up on Ole. But a comeback win always shows the team's attitude. A good win under the belt, up next was a tough away game at Germany for a spot in the round of 16 and against the noisy neighbours over the week end.       

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