Greenwood reaches landmark as lacklustre United edge into top four

Greenwood joins the elites as Manchester United fail to capitalise on Leicester dropping points in the race for the Premier League top four as they are held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham.

Greenwood played the full 90 minutes as United sought to increase the gap to Chelsea to 2 points, but the in form Englishman could do little to help them break down West Ham in a fierce contest.

United were up and running as the whistle went off, quickfire efforts from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial called Fabianski into action twice within the first 10 minutes.

Chances weren’t few and far between as Angelo Ogbonna spurned a promising opening when he headed wide of the left post from a Bowen’s cross.

Rashford, who endured a woeful night, then stung the palms of Fabianski from the edge of the area as both teams laboured going forward.

Antonio weaved his way past Victor Lindelof and Timothy Fosu-Mensah but was fouled as he lost his footing leading to a freekick in a dangerous position.

As the free-kick was struck, midfielder Pogba appeared to protect himself from the ball with his hands up in front of his face.

After several VAR reviews,the in-form Antonio stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick which he went on to put cooly past De Gea.

De Gea, after Pogba had fired over from 25 yards on the other end, needed to produce a better save to turn over Bowen’s near-post effort which took a deflection off Williams.

Antonio should have done better with a close-range header when presented with the chance to seal the points for West Ham.

Shortly after Ighalo’s introduction, he shot agonisingly wide with the last meaningful chance of the game, providing an encapsulation of another frustrating affair for United.

What does this mean?

Greenwood stars again

Greenwood’s goal means he has now scored 17 for the season, equalling the record for teenagers at United held by George Best, Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney.

With another Premier League and at least two Europa League games to come, it looks likely that Greenwood will add to his tally and could even make 20 for the season, which will be a phenomenal achievement for an 18-year-old.

Fernandes goes missing again

He was busy throughout the game but, despite his efforts, Fernandes was not able to have a decisive influence for a United team looking fatigued.

Full backs fall flat

Timothy Fosu-Mensah replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the starting eleven but, could offer little or nothing to the United side.

Meanwhile, on the other flank, Williams was schooled by Bowen’s trickery as the youngster produced a tragic display.

Dave still makes crucial saves

De Gea, although wasn’t the busier of the two goalkeepers and, though none of his saves were spectacular, it was a solid landmark outing for the Spain international.

Rashford goes missing

Leading the line for United alongside Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, it was a hugely disappointing performance for Rashford who continually conceded possession in attacking areas.

No squad depth

Despite deploying his main players against West Ham, the team still looked tired but a lack of game-changers in reserve means his options are limited.

The result will do little to boost spirits around Old Trafford, with United third in the table, level on points with Chelsea and a point above Leicester who lost 3-0 at Tottenham earlier.

What’s next?

The Reds boss has worked a minor miracle to get his side into the top four but it will all count for nothing if the Reds can’t get over the line.

United only need a draw in the East Midlands but it definitely won’t be for the faint-hearted – on this form, Leicester will push the Reds hard with United looking a tired team.

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