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Manchester United seem to be finally hitting some good form with their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions. Here are five things the matchup between the Red Devils and the Hammers taught us
Quarterback Wayne pulled the strings to perfection
In the absence of Van Persie, Welbeck played up top, with Rooney enjoying a more withdrawn role, behind him just like the game against Aston Villa. In this game, Rooney showed just why he is the man that makes United tick. With Cleverley and Jones not offering too much creativity from the middle of the park, Rooney took up the mantle of spreading the ball and starting the attack.
Although he misplaced a few passes, some of his diagonals, directed at Valencia from the center circle, were just perfection personified. Rooney showcased the selfless side of his game and showed that he was more than ready to do a job for the team. He attempted and completed the most passes of anybody on the pitch, by a mile and finished with two assists. He showed Moyes that he is capable of playing in midfield with great aplomb, if the situation were to ever arise and that will certainly give Moyes plenty of hope, in case he needs him in the future.
United’s attackers peaking at the perfect moment
With Robin Van Persie out for the entire festive period of games, it looked as though United would struggle for goals. But, against Aston Villa last weekend, Welbeck started the game in his natural position and scored a brace, finding the net for the first time after the opening game against Swansea. He continued that run against West Ham, making it three goals in his last two starts in the League.
Along with Welbeck, Ashley Young, a player who has been widely maligned so far this season, also notched up his second goal in as many games, scoring from his first touch, since coming on as a substitute. Along with him, another Englishman, Cleverley, looks like a man transformed ever since his goal last weekend against Villa. In this game, he went close to doubling his tally in the opening minute and got forward at every opportunity. Everybody is certainly peaking at just the perfect time, as far as Moyes is concerned.
Valencia needs to work on his final ball
On the evidence of the past few weeks at least, it certainly looks as though Valencia is getting back to the player he once was. Against West Ham, he created lot of very good openings, but his final ball was found wanting. There were moments in the game, when it looked as though Valencia had done all the hard work of beating his man and opening up the space for a cross, but unfortunately more often than he ended up missing his mark.
Against Aston Villa, although he was a constant menace on the right, his final ball was inconsistent and it was the same against the Hammers as well. Although some of his link-up play with Rafael has been almost telepathic, the Ecuadorian winger surely has to work on his final ball, because, unlike the Hammers, the rest of the League won’t be such obliging opponents.
The future looks bright for United’s defense
Before the game, Nemanja Vidic was doubtful and most managers, would have played him, even if he wasn’t 100%, particularly considering the opponents that they were facing. But Moyes was bold and gambled on playing Smalling and Evans at center half, and the plan worked to perfection. The young center half pairing showed that, they were more than capable of handling the Hammers physical approach and were brilliant throughout the game. To add to this, Rafael looks like he never left, and if he keeps up his performances, he might very well find himself starting for Brazil in the summer.
Even David De Gea, who wouldn’t have played in this fixture in his opening season, showed signs of maturing nicely. The Spanish goalkeeper was up to the task against the Hammers attack and even managed to catch the crosses coming in from either flank, something he never would have done in the past. The future certainly looks solid, at least as far as the defense is concerned.
Will Sam be the next manager to get the boot?
At least on the evidence of the game against Manchester United, Allardyce looks like he might just keep his job for a little while longer. Although West Ham conceded three goals, all three were exquisite finishes, which nobody could have done anything about. The worrying thing for Sam, would be the attack, which has scored only 6 away league goals all season, the lowest in all four divisions of English football.
Having put all his eggs in one Andy Carroll shaped basket, time is running out for Sam as the owners will be looking for a turnaround of some sort in their next game. Unfortunately for the Hammers, the next game, although at home, is against an Arsenal side, who have the best away record in the League. All of which mean that the game after that, against West Brom at home, will be crucial. If they lose that, there might not be any festive cheer around the Allardyce household come the New Year.
