In dramatic fashion, Manchester United staged another come-from-victory away from Old Trafford as they defeated West Ham United 4-2 at Upton Park. Mark Noble score two penalties in the first half to give the Irons a decisive lead against the run of play, but Wayne Rooney scored a wonderful second half hat-trick and Javier Hernandez added another for good measure.
It was Rooney’s first hat-trick since January 2010, but was it enough to earn him Man of the Match honors for the Reds?
Tomasz Kuszczak – 6
Other than trying to save either of Noble’s two penalties, which was always going to be a big task, Kuszczak had a very comfortable game filling in for Edwin van der Sar.
Fabio – 7
Most United supporters will be wondering if Sir Alex had Rafael at right-back, because his twin put in a very good performance combing well with his wing partner on that side of the field.
Chris Smalling – 5
Caught completely in la-la land when West Ham drove forward and eventually got the opening goal, Smalling was more of a threat on the offensive end than .
Nemanja Vidic – 6
Still showing signs of the injury that kept him out of action before the international break, but Vidic reorganized the United back-line well in the second half.
Patrice Evra – 4
Not his normal reliable self in either attack or defense, Evra put in a stinker, and, inexcusably, was at fault for the first penalty, Ferguson was withdrawn at halftime.
Darron Gibson – 6
Due to injuries and suspension, Gibson was deployed in the center of the midfield, and despite popular belief, he put in a disciplined performance to combat Scott Parker’s style of play.
Michael Carrick – 7
Consistently overlooked and criticized for not being an influential midfielder, but Carrick he showed class and composure against his former club.
Ryan Giggs – 7
Given a free role to create things against West Ham, Giggs was asked to play left-back in the second half, which he played quite remarkably.
Antonio Valencia – 8 (Man of the Match)
Up against a much slower and weaker left-back in Wayne Bridge, Valencia tore at him all game long and was the most consistent player for United over the course of the match.
Ji-Sung Park – 5
Playing in his first game in nearly four months for United, Park had a golden chance to score, but Park will need a couple of more games to get the cobwebs off his .
Wayne Rooney – 8
Very ineffective in the first half, Rooney shook off that form with three superbly taken goals in the second half, which included scoring his first goal from a free-kick since his first hat-trick at United.
Substitutions
Javier Hernandez – 7
Came on a halftime substitute to inject more pace going forward, Chicharito did just that and added another goal to his total for his positive contribution.
Dimitar Berbatov – 8
After being over looked for the first 65 minutes of the match, Bebratov reaffirmed that he is all about the team and inspired the four-goal onslaught in the last 25 minutes.
Nani – 5
Came on as a late substitution so Rooney would get a standing ovation from the away supporters, Nani held the ball up in his seven, or so, minute cameo.
Overall – 8
Despite conceding a further two goals away from Old Trafford, Manchester United turned out their best away performance of the season with the four goal fightback against West Ham United.
Watch Video Highlights of West Ham 2-4 Man Utd
Submitted by The United Religion
