Manchester United endured another frustrating Premier League outing at Old Trafford, once again dropping points – this time to a struggling West Ham outfit.
The Reds got off to the worst start possible, conceding within 90 seconds. Jesse Lingard gave away a sloppy free-kick on the right wing and some lax marking allowed Diafra Sakho to head home from Dimitri Payet’s set piece.
United came back however, with a wonderful delivery from Paul Pogba finding Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who flicked a header past Darren Randolph to make it three goals from the three past games.
That was about as good as it got from United, who had José Mourinho sent to the stands once again. This time, referee Jon Moss gave the boss his marching orders after Mourinho had kicked a water bottle in protest after Pogba was booked for simulation.
On the pitch, United had their chances to take the lead, with Marcus Rashford’s shot saved by Darren Randolph as he faced him one on one, while the Irishman tipped away Jesse Lingard’s effort at the end of the first half.
The result leaves United eleven points adrift of leaders Chelsea at the top of the table, with their top four chances drifting away by the day. Here are the player ratings from Old Trafford:
David de Gea - 6
Another day of bystanding for United’s number one, who could do little to save Sakho’s early effort.
Antonio Valencia - 6
Solid performance for the Ecuadorian, once again outlining his importance for United. Restricted the presence of Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet and got forward well.
Phil Jones - 7
Jones has been good since returning to the fold and showed again why he has retained his place. Nothing too extravagant, just did the basics well and kept West Ham’s attack at bay.
Marcos Rojo - 7
Another fine performance and now showing some of the form he displayed in his first season at Old Trafford. Few matched his aggression on the pitch.
Matteo Darmian - 5
Simply not good enough as a left-back. Marcus Rashford did most of the running down his flank and the Italian’s crossing is just dire. Luke Shaw or Daley Blind would infinitely be better options.
Ander Herrera - 7
Outstanding again in the holding role. His aggression and ability on the ball set the tone for the Reds going forward.
Paul Pogba - 7
Continued his excellent run as of late with a wonderful assist for United’s equaliser, as well as controlling proceedings in midfield and taking the game by the scruff of its neck.
Jesse Lingard - 6
A silly foul led to West Ham’s opener but he recovered very well and had a good effort saved by Randolph at the end of the first half.
Juan Mata - 6
Quiet game from the Spaniard today. Unlike his recent performances but there is no question that United are a better outfit with his presence in the middle of the park.
Marcus Rashford - 5
Didn’t have the best of games and it looks like his confidence may have taken a hit with this recent patchy run. Should probably have scored while one on one with Randolph in the first half.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 7
Slightly lax marking from him allowed Sakho to slip in and score, but made amends with a brilliantly flicked header to equalise. His physicality allowed players to flourish behind him, but the presence faded slightly in the second half.
Substitutes
Wayne Rooney (7) – Positive performance from the captain off the bench, influencing matters and providing a solid outlet.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (6) – Looked eager to influence proceedings but seemed a bit erratic. Needs to play from the start.
Marouane Fellaini (3) – Terrible for the six minutes he had on the pitch. Got skinned twice and almost gave away a penalty.