Marcus Rashford’s 100th goal for Manchester United was enough to defeat West Ham at Old Trafford.
Seven minutes before halftime, Christian Eriksen floated a beautiful far-post cross over for the 24-year-old, who then smashed in a powerful header to become the 22nd United player to score 100 goals.
In a nail-biting conclusion, David de Gea produced an outstanding save to stop Michail Antonio and Kurt Zouma. Until, practically with the game’s last play, the goalkeeper from Spain saved a thunderous Declan Rice shot.
The outcome allowed United to move to fifth place in the standings and extend their unbeaten streak to eight games.
In contrast, West Ham’s inconsistent play outside European competition places them in 13th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
Marcus Rashford seals the win for @ManUtd ?#MUNWHU pic.twitter.com/Qh2YXZJcLv
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 30, 2022
Rashford joins Man United’s 100 Club
Rashford’s goal, which came the day before his 25th birthday, couldn’t have come at a better time, given that Gareth Southgate will choose the England World Cup team on November 10.
It was the first time since January that he has scored in back-to-back games, and with a little bit more luck, his season total may have surpassed seven.
He had three attempts in the first 16 minutes. He was confident enough to move in front of Ronaldo for the opening goal, taking a shot off a low cross from Diogo Dalot that was wide.
After Tomas Soucek stopped Rashford’s low effort from endangering the West Ham goal, Lukasz Fabianski successfully stopped Rashford’s header.
Dalot’s persistence greatly aided his historic goal in waiting for Eriksen, who played a one-two with Bruno Fernandes before providing the most exquisite of crosses.
At the beginning of the second half, Rashford again missed the target with a shot. Still, the rest of United’s heroes were at the other end of the field, with De Gea being a standout in stopping West Ham.
100 Manchester United goals for Marcus Rashford ? pic.twitter.com/awrqFZz80J
— GOAL (@goal) October 30, 2022
Ten Hag hails great De Gea
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, thinks David de Gea is a “wonderful” goalkeeper and dispels the myth that he can’t play with his feet.
“Everyone has their own opinion, but a goalie should always prioritize defending the net and preventing goals from being scored.”
“In that regard, he is extraordinary. But he can also do things with his feet. This applies to both the person in front and the keeper, depending on the alternatives you provide for bringing passes in.”
“He can accomplish it, I’m sure of it. He demonstrated it in the current games.”
In his post-game interview against West Ham United, Erik ten Hag discussed the need for more full-back options.
“I’m incredibly pleased with Diogo’s (Dalot’s) progress. His defensive play is improving from game to game.”
“Because there are still many games left, we need two good full-backs [on the left and right].”
What a performance from David De Gea ? pic.twitter.com/5FHRJJfhLn
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 30, 2022
David Moyes praises De Gea after the heroic performance
After the game, West Ham manager David Moyes praised De Gea for his late stops. De Gea and Moyes collaborated for a season over ten years ago.
Reporter Shamoon Hafez for the BBC cites him as stating, “David de Gea was great. We are aware of his skill as a goalkeeper. The two saves he made were world-class. He’s a kind guy. Therefore I’m happy for him.”
