MOUR DRAW
West Ham 0 Manchester United 0: Visitors seal second place but fail trial run for FA Cup final
Special One made eight changes to his side to face the Hammers and his stars could not find a rhythm
Sponsored by
IN THEORY, this was a trial for the FA Cup final.
Yet Manchester United’s players were either confused by Jose Mourinho’s mass changes, were simply unable to raise themselves in the penultimate game of the season or have actually forgotten they play against Chelsea at Wembley tomorrow week.
8
8
Whatever it was, Mourinho still has a number of massive challenges regarding selection before trying to turn over his former club.
This was the latest sorry proof as to why United are 19 points behind Manchester City.
Before the game, Mourinho said "something does not smell right" at United and they certainly stunk out a part of East London last night.
Other than a decent enough performance from Jesse Lingard, United were poor against the team managed by former manager David Moyes who has steered West Ham to safety with a couple of games to spare.
Mark Noble and Paul Pogba clash as tempers boil over during West Ham’s draw with Manchester United
Latest Manchester United news
8
8
8
Considering their success in the Europa League last season, you would have thought United would have relished the opportunity of a Thursday night game but this was tedious from start to finish with each half feeling as though it had lasted 90 minutes.
If this match was enough to go by, along with some of United’s previous results including the 1-0 loss at Brighton, United’s final home game of the season, against Watford, is not exactly promising to be a rip-roaring occasion.
JOSE SMELLS BLOOD Jose Mourinho says that something ‘doesn’t smell right’ at Manchester United
The only excitement came towards the end with a good old-fashioned bundle after a clash between Mark Noble and Paul Pogba.
It was two years to the night when West Ham said farewell to Upton Park after 112 years at the stadium.
Manchester United were the visitors, the team bus arrived late, was attacked by home fans and the team lost 3-2 to virtually end their Champions League hopes.
Manchester United defender Phil Jones trips over pitchside mat in another classic moment for the clumsy ace
Latest West Ham news
8
8
Yet it was an emotional night and in complete contrast to last night, which could not have been more different.
On their second visit to the London Stadium, United’s fans spent some of the first half singing ‘it’s the worst f*****g ground we’ve ever seen.’ And some of the home fans nodded in agreement.
Nevertheless, despite all the aggro here this term – and particularly the 3-0 loss to Burnley – it has not been a disastrous season and Moyes has accomplished his mission.
Now, it seems, it is up to West Ham to promise him money to spend, rebuild and re-balance this squad if they are to persuade him to stay.
Both sides, though, need plenty of new players if they are to improve.
Mourinho made eight changes from Brighton loss, with both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford left on the bench, meaning Alexis Sanchez and Lingard played up front.
8
West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic continued where he left off against Leicester by working hard and being a general nuisance.
He delivered the first shot after shrugging off Chris Smalling but his effort was straight at David De Gea,
Smalling was then guilty of an terrible, clearance which fell perfectly for Arnautovic but his header was equally as bad.
It took United 20 minutes to manage ant sort of attack but Scott McTominay’s shot, after Joao Mario was easily overpowered, was a yard wide.
His team-mate Lingard delivered the first moment of anything that resembled a created spark by delivering a decent run and shot, which was saved by Adrian.
Once again preferred in place of Joe Hart, Adrian made two fine saves in the space of a few seconds, first keeping out an effort from Sanchez before using his leg to divert Luke Shaw’s strike against the post.
United’s most effective player, Lingard forced another decent save from Adrian on the stroke of half-time.
Midweek Round-Up: Watch all the Premier League action from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Even when the Spanish keeper had a rush of blood to the head and tore of his line needlessly, Sanchez’s goal-bound shot was headed away by Angelo Ogbonna.
Pogba, not enjoying the most sparkling of games, headed wide after a terrific cross from Antonio Valencia, Smalling should have done far better with a far post header.
There were cheers for Andy Carroll when he replaced Arthur Masuaku midway inside the first half.
Their undying love for this injury-prone, highly-paid player is particularly curious as he slaughtered them for leaving the ground early.
And then promptly headed down the tunnel after Moyes used all three of his substitutes against Manchester City before being sent home from training after a rollocking 24 hours later.
Yet Carroll could not make any difference, neither could Rashford who arrived with 16 minutes left, and the game drifted to a draw before that bust-up at the end with Noble lucky not to be sent off for raising his hands on Pogba.
Next up here on Sunday will be Everton an their manager Sam Allardyce, who is certain to enjoy a warm welcome. Or maybe not.
Topics