Wednesday night marked the second meeting between United and West Ham in a matter of days, as both sides got their Carabao Cup campaigns underway at the third round stage. The reds came into the encounter with the desire to break the streak of successive semi-final defeats to eventual winners and rivals Manchester City, hoping to succeed in a bid for their first silverware since 2017.
With four matches in 10 days, Solskjaer understandably opted to make wholesale changes to allow for crucial rotation. Dean Henderson returned after suffering extensively from the effects of Covid-19, whilst Alex Telles was named on the teamsheet for the first time this season after an ankle injury sustained during pre-season. Eric Bailly featured for the first time this season, getting his first action since participation in the Olympics. Donny van de Beek was granted another start away from the league, whilst Juan Mata took a rare place in the starting side. Anthony Martial started through the middle, with Edinson Cavani remaining short of fitness after a muscle strain. Phil Jones took his place on the United bench, featuring in the matchday squad for the first time in 18 months. David De Gea, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo were amongst some big names left out.
In the meantime, David Moyes made 10 alterations to the side deployed at the weekend (only Jared Bowen maintained his place in the eleven). Michail Antonio wasn't recalled despite being available after serving his suspension.
It was the Hammers who came out of the blocks fastest, taking an early lead in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd after an excellently-engineered move down the right hand side. Right back Ryan Fredricks managed to squeeze between Jadon Sancho and the returning Telles, with a burst of pace leaving the latter for dead. The ball was pulled back by Fredricks, with a touch off Victor Lindelof guiding it perfectly into Manuel Lanzini's path. Van de Beek was guilty of losing the Argentine, who finished into Henderson's far corner. United would have to respond to trailing, again.
Following the goal, the visitors were actually relatively limited throughout the remainder of the half. United did respond positively from going behind, with some extremely promising buildup play and attacking moves unfolding - especially through Diogo Dalot on the right - amidst masses of possession. There were opportunities aplenty which tested French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but end product evaded United due to particular ineptitude in front of goal. By the interval, the reds remained behind as West Ham withstood their pressure.
United kept their foot on the gas heading into the second half, continuing to take the game to West Ham. Chances continued to flow, with the likes of Van de Beek and Sancho lively. The hosts continued to edge onto the front foot, forcing their opposition to defend. Pressure was applied, but there was clear struggle against the visiting compactness.
Mason Greenwood's introduction immediately brought a huge opportunity for United, instantly offering a run in behind (something which Martial didn't offer at all). Van de Beek's lifted ball over the West Ham defence to the youngster was exceptional, though the ultimate finish was scuffed into Areola's control. Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga were also introduced, with Telles' withdrawal after a tricky night emphasising Solskjaer's attacking intent.
As United committed men forward, West Ham regrew a presence in the game on the break. The visiting contingent could very easily have made it two in the closing stages, with Andriy Yarmolenko somehow striking the post with the goal gaping in front of him having somewhat rounded Henderson. Moments later, Mark Noble was denied one-on-one against the United goalkeeper following an electrifying break by Jared Bowen - who was also prevented from doubling his side’s advantage in quick succession to the aforementioned opportunities. Ultimately, neither side were able to convert to show for their late efforts. West Ham held on.
After the match, former United man Dion Dublin was very critical of one particular player's performance: "We need to see more from Anthony Martial, we have said it many times before but he is not helping his cause. I want to see him sweating and putting the ball in the back of the net. He has not done enough since being at United.”
It was incredibly frustrating watching Martial last night, with his distinct lack of work rate limiting us massively in the final third. Sancho was determined to provide some link-up play whenever he manoeuvred into the final third, but it was evident that the Frenchman was on an entirely different wavelength to his teammates during such phases. I mentioned it during the report, but Greenwood moved around more within moments of his introduction than Martial - who was constantly static - did throughout the match.
United had a staggering 27 shots, but only four were on target from inside the box. The buildup play was almost always at a good standard, but the end product was completely absent.
Regardless, there were still some promising individual performances. Having been granted a full 90 minutes (finally), Donny van de Beek was able to really showcase his quality. He put in his utmost effort for the entirety, winning back and successfully retaining possession on multiple occasions. Coming from deep within the pivot, he effectively catalysed transitions with his progressive on-ball ability. Further up the pitch, his willingness to get hold of the ball is a breath of fresh air. He was mightily unfortunate not to have an assist to his name too for the classy lofted ball to send Greenwood through on goal. He really looked at home playing in the deeper role, proving that he is fully capable of being comfortable in such position.
Another player who was standout was Diogo Dalot, who defended well and simultaneously attacked with some proper threat. His crossing from the right hand side was extremely good, with his switches of play also impressive when deployed. With a figure like Ronaldo in the middle, he could be very effective at right back due to the quality of his attacking contributions.
To finish... Yes, it was our 'B-Team' deployed last night - but West Ham also fielded a significantly weakened side. You'd still expect to win this kind of match, hence the resounding frustration amongst the fanbase. The result isn't overly representative given the disruption of changes made, but it’s nonetheless crucially one less trophy on offer.
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