MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United beat West Ham United on Sunday, 1-0, at Old Trafford in Premier League action.
Although shots on goal were even between the two sides (three each) and Manchester United’s possession edge wasn’t overwhelming (54%-46%), the difference came down to a Marcus Rashford goal in the 38th minute.
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Man United are now unbeaten in their last five league matches (and their last eight including the Europa League).
ESPN’s Rob Dawson has reaction and analysis from Old Trafford.
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Rapid reaction
1. Could Man United really challenge for the title?
Pep Guardiola says Manchester United “are back” — but could they really threaten to gate-crash the title race once the season restarts after the World Cup?
After their 1-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday, they are up to fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal, and have only lost once in the league since August.
United were made to work for the result against West Ham but defended well in the second half to keep a fifth clean sheet in their last six games. Goals are still not flowing but the move for the winner — a one-two between Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen followed by a determined header from Marcus Rashford — deserved to decide the game.
David De Gea needed to make three fantastic saves at the end to guarantee the points but Lisandro Martinez also played his part with a fantastic defensive display in the middle of the back four alongside Harry Maguire, who started a league game for the first time since the 4-0 defeat at Brentford. On a different day United would have had to settle for a point or worse but title challenges are built of gritty performances and this was one.
Maybe Guardiola has a point.
