West Ham player ratings vs Man United: Kurt Zouma and Declan Rice impress as Jesse Lingard breaks hearts

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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_19 September 2021

Jesse Lingard came back to haunt West Ham on his return as the England international’s late winner for Manchester United ended the Hammers’ unbeaten start to the season.

Instead of sitting back at the London Stadium, the Hammers were playing the better football and took a deserved lead after Pablo Fornals, Vladimir Coufal and Jarrod Bowen combined well to tee up Said Benrahma. The Algerian’s effort took a healthy deflection off Raphael Varane and nestled in the back of David de Gea’s net.

Manchester United predictably struck back through Cristiano Ronaldo as he tapped in after Lukasz Fabianski had parried the Portuguese’s effort from a Bruno Fernandes cross.

David Moyes kept his foot on the gas in search of the winner but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had the better options, sending on Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard.

The attacking midfielder, who had shone on loan at West Ham last season, was given a warm reception before breaking Hammers hearts with his late winner.

The hosts were given a late chance to claim a leveller from the spot after Luke Shaw was penalised for a handball following a VAR review. Moyes sent Mark Noble on to take the spot kick with his first touch but the Hammers captain was denied by David de Gea.

Here is how Jack Rosser rated West Ham...

Lukasz Fabianski 7

Pulled off some superb saves either side of the break from Fernandes and Ronaldo. Maybe should have held Ronaldo’s shot to prevent the follow up on the goal.

Vladimir Coufal 7

Tireless once again and kept Paul Pogba out of the game for the most part. Played a key role in the build up to Benrahma’s goal.

Made a largely superb Premier League and home debut for his new club. Gave Ronaldo absolutely nothing all afternoon and came up with some crucial blocks in his box but allowed Lingard too much room for the winner.

Angelo Ogbonna 7

Could be criticised for his role in letting Ronaldo drift for his equaliser but another reliable display from the Italian.

Aaron Cresswell 6

Some good play going forwards but should have been more aware of the danger from Ronaldo in defending the equaliser.

Another stellar showing following his goalscoring European debut in the week. Dominated midfield and showed exactly why sides like Manchester United are so keen to sign him.

Tomas Soucek 7

At his disruptive best in midfield alongside Rice. Pogba and Fernandes hardly had a say all afternoon thanks to their efforts.

Nikola Vlasic 6

A rather quiet full Premier League debut. Got into encouraging positions but couldn’t make an impact once there. May take time but looks a good prospect.

Said Benrahma 7

Worked well off the ball and looked to create openings going forward, another goal - albeit deflected - will be important following his poor figures last season.

Pablo Fornals 7

Tireless once more and becoming crucial to the way this West Ham side play. Almost added to his tally for the season with a backheel effort.

Jarrod Bowen 7

Replaced Michail Antonio admirably in leading the line. Never stopped running and causing problems for the visitors. Better finishing and it could have been quite the afternoon for Bowen.

Substitutes

Andriy Yarmolenko 6

Livened up the West Ham attack following his introduction but couldn’t find the winner Moyes sent him on in search of.

Manuel Lanzini n/a

Mark Noble n/a

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