Man Utd trio give touching tribute to Busby Babes in throwback performance
In the week Manchester United remember the victims of the Munich disaster, it was fitting their young players took centre stage here.
Eight of Sir Matt Busby's Babes died in their prime in the 1958 tragedy, the anniversary of which is on Tuesday, fate decreeing they would never realise their rich potential. Ever since then, young talent has been central to the football philosophy at United, with that ethos and commitment to youth continuing under current boss Erik ten Hag.
On his 21st birthday, Rasmus Hojlund plundered the opener to set United on their way to victory, with 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho scoring twice after the break to seal the win. And with 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo continuing to impress with another composed display, the future would appear to be in safe hands at United, despite their inconsistencies this season.
It says everything about United's failings that this was the first home league game this season they have won by more than one goal, victory lifting them up from eighth to sixth place. They may still be eight points off fourth spot, but with 15 games remaining, United have gathered some momentum as they continue to make a late and unlikely push for a Champions League spot.
Despite the scoreline, West Ham produced 22 shots to United's 12, the difference being David Moyes' side were nowhere near as clinical as Ten Hag's men in front of the target.
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The first chance went West Ham's way, Lisandro Martinez clattering into the back of Mohammed Kudus outside the United area, but James Ward-Prowse was unable to make the free-kick count.
That missed opportunity proved costly, with United taking the lead moments later in the 24th minute, Casemiro winning the ball deep in the West Ham half. The ball fell into the path of Hojlund, who sent two opponents the wrong way with his quick movement, before burying an unstoppable shot past Alphonse Areola.
Despite going ahead, United were unable to build on it and frustrated their fans with their willingness to sit on their lead and invite West Ham on to them. The visitors created a host of first-half chances but were unable to convert any of them and were dealt a blow when Areola, who had collided with team-mate Kurt Zouma in the first-half, did not emerge for the restart, replaced in goal by Lukasz Fabianski
Hojlund impressed in Man Utd's win over West HamThe Hammers had a chance to level three minutes after the restart, when a lapse in concentration from Harry Maguire allowed Emerson Palmieri to take possession and surge forward. Emerson chose to go it alone, despite options to his right, his decision proving to be the wrong one as he scuffed his shot high and wide.
It proved a significant miss, with United doubling their lead within two minutes, a shot from Garnacho deflecting off Nayef Aguerd, giving Fabianski no chance.
Jarrod Bowen found himself through on goal in the 69th minute, with only Onana to beat, but delayed shooting long enough to allow Diogo Dalot to race back and block his goalbound strike.
United lost Martinez with 20 minutes to go, the defender failing to recover after falling awkwardly minutes earlier when trying to shield the ball from Vladimir Coufal. Any hopes West Ham had of getting back into the game ended six minutes from time, when United counter-attacked, with substitute Scott McTominay setting up Garnacho for his second goal.
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