It was another frustrating night for Jose Mourinho’s men at Old Trafford as they were held to a fourth consecutive draw at home by West Ham. A run of poor games has now left the Red Devils eleven points shy of table-toppers Chelsea, while they trail fourth-placed Arsenal by eight points.
It was a dream start for Slaven Bilic’s men as Diafra Sakho fired the visitors into the lead after just two minutes when he headed in Dimitri Payet’s free-kick. But Jose Mourinho’s men responded well to the early setback and restored parity in the 21st minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed in Paul Pogba’s cross. But it was a story of so near yet so far for the home team throughout the match as Jose Mourinho’s men missed several chances. Their night turned worse when Mourinho was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle while expressing his frustration when Pogba was booked for diving.
With only 20 points in 13 games, it is quite safe to say that United’s hope of winning the title is effectively over while a top four finish is also looking bleak now.
Let us see how Jose Mourinho’s men fared:
David de Gea: 6.5/10
Could do little to prevent Sakho’s opener and had few saves to make. Did well to deny Ashley Fletcher late in the game.
Phil Jones: 6/10
Repaid Mourinho’s faith with another solid display at the back. Did not have much to do but did well whenever he was called into action.
Antonio Valencia: 7/10
Was a constant threat for the Hammers with his searing runs down the flank. Managed to keep Dimitri Payet quiet for majority of the time in the match.
Marcos Rojo: 6/10
Was looking shaky early on but little pressure from the visitors did not test him much.
Matteo Darmian: 5/10
Had a below par game both in defence as well as attack. Was struggling to contain Antonio while his long balls left a lot to be desired.
Ander Herrera: 6/10
As usual, worked hard to help United dominate the midfield.
Juan Mata: 6/10
Failed to replicate the form that has made him one of the finest players in the team. As a result, he was subbed off 25 minutes from time.
Jesse Lingard: 6.5/10
His foul helped the Hammers to score the goal. Was threatening for the Hammers on several occasions with his quick and clever passing in the final third. Came agonisingly close to taking the lead for his team late in the first half but was denied by a brilliant save.
Paul Pogba: 7/10
Finally showing a glimpse of the form that made United pay such a hefty fee for him. Distributed the ball brilliantly and made provided some dangerous crosses. Assisted Ibrahimovic for the equaliser.
Marcus Rashford: 5.5/10
Apart from a few dangerous runs, the youngster did not have an impressive night. Missed a sitter when he only had the goalkeeper to beat.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 6.5/10
Failed to mark Sakho that allowed him to open the scoring. Made amends with the equaliser. Struggled to convert the chances.
Substitutes:
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 5/10
Replaced Mata with 25 minutes left. Made an impressive start but failed to keep hold of the tempo.
Wayne Rooney: 5/10
Came on for Rashford in the 65th minute. Provided some good crosses.
Marouane Fellaini: 4/10
Came in the 85th minute and had little time to make an impact. Received a