West Ham player ratings vs Manchester United: Lanzini and Areola shine in huge Carabao Cup win

Manuel Lanzini’s early goal sent West Ham through against Manchester United
AP
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_22 September 2021

West Ham took revenge on Manchester United for their late win at the weekend by knocking the Red Devils out of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.

Manuel Lanzini’s ninth-minute goal earned David Moyes his first victory over his former employer since leaving the club in 2014.

Moyes made 10 changes to his side to keep things fresh after the weekend and the visitors made a flying start.

Jarrod Bowen fired wide inside five minutes before debutant Alex Kral saw an effort blocked by Eric Bailly.

The Hammers kept the pressure up and were rewarded before the clock hit 10 minutes thanks to some wonderful play from Ryan Fredericks. The full-back, who impressed in the Europa League last week, darted between the static pair of Alex Telles and Jadon Sancho to reach the byline and cut back for Lanzini, who stroked the ball into the far corner.

Manchester United hit back with a flurry of chances, including Juan Mata hitting the bar from a tight angle, but the visitors made it to the break with Alphonse Areola’s clean sheet intact on his first start for the club.

The hosts still struggled to truly test the French goalkeeper after the break, though the former Fulham man did well with what was sent his way.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent on Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes to try and find a leveller but West Ham held firm.

Andriy Yarmolenko and Mark Noble both passed up stunning chances to win the game in the final five minutes, the former hitting the post after rounding Dean Henderson before the latter scuffed a shot straight at the United goalkeeper.

Thankfully for the visitors, this time Manchester United did not make them pay late on.

Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers...

Alphonse Areola 8

Fantastic debut from the Frenchman, one to certainly make Lukasz Fabianski nervous. Commanding at the back and made some fine saves.

Ryan Fredericks 8

A brief but brilliant appearance for the full-back. Wonderful run between two United players before teeing up Lanzini for the opening goal.

Craig Dawson 7

A solid return to the side for Dawson after a ropey start to the season. No-nonsense display.

Issa Diop 7

Strong performance from the centre-half, who will have wanted to take his chance to impress. Made an important block from Lingard on the break.

Ben Johnson 7

A good showing on his first start of the season. Solid and hard-working at the back but not afraid of going forward. End product needs work.

Mark Noble 8

A few hairy moments from the West Ham captain, who looked off the pace at times but managed the game well. A good response to Sunday’s missed penalty.

Alex Kral 7

A very confident debut from the latest Czech mate at West Ham. Not off the pace or fearful on his debut in English football. Positive on the ball, too.

Jarrod Bowen 7

Tireless running as usual from the forward and was a threat on the break. Finishing still lacking, however.

Manuel Lanzini 8

Neat and tidy on the ball in midfield and came up with a fine finish to make the most of West Ham’s strong start. His first goal since that strike against Tottenham.

Arthur Masuaku 6

Solid showing on his return to the starting XI after injury. Helped Johnson defensively and his pace was useful going forward.

Andriy Yarmolenko 7

Put in a real shift down the right-hand side and got into promising positions. Good move early on to set up Bowen. Should have made it two late on.

Subs

Vladimir Coufal 7

Workmanlike performance from the full-back after being called on far earlier than expected.

Nikola Vlasic 5

Never really got into the game after his introduction.

Pablo Fornals 6

Shored up the left-hand side and offered more out of possession than Lanzini.

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