Alejandro Garnacho's Brace Propels Manchester United Beyond West Ham in Premier League Clash
Alejandro Garnacho notched two goals following Rasmus Højlund's birthday celebration at Old Trafford, propelling Manchester United to a 3-0 victory over West Ham and securing a climb to sixth place in the Premier League on Sunday.
After their thrilling 4-3 triumph against Wolves on Thursday, Erik ten Hag's squad now boasts 38 points from 23 games, positioning them eight points behind the coveted fourth spot. West Ham, in seventh place, trails with 36 points.
Ten Hag expressed his optimism about Manchester United's future, emphasizing the team's bright prospects and their ability to play dynamic and defensively sound football. The young players showcased their potential in the match, with each game contributing to their growth and adaptation to higher levels of competition.
On his 21st birthday, Rasmus Højlund opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a well-placed ball from Casemiro after West Ham struggled to clear a high delivery. The Denmark international skillfully maneuvered past defenders before finding the bottom corner of the net from the center of the box.
Højlund, who achieved the milestone of becoming the youngest player in United's history to score in four consecutive Premier League appearances, expressed his delight with the victory and the special significance of playing on his birthday.
Alejandro Garnacho, 19, extended the lead in the 49th minute with a shot from the corner of the box that took a deflection, leaving substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski stranded.
Garnacho secured his second goal in the 84th minute after Scott McTominay capitalized on a mistake from Kalvin Phillips, finding Garnacho in the box.
Garnacho acknowledged his enjoyment of playing for the club, expressing happiness along with the team.
Despite arguably West Ham's best chance, which followed an error from Harry Maguire, resulting in Emerson's missed shot, United's defense held strong. Maguire, making his first start since December 12, contributed to a solid defensive performance.
Manager Erik ten Hag highlighted the team's impressive goal-scoring form, with 11 goals in their last three games. However, the victory was marred by the potential loss of Lisandro Martínez to an apparent knee injury, casting a shadow on his return to the team after foot surgery.
"We have to find out in the next days what the diagnosis is," Ten Hag expressed concern. "It is very bad, very bad for him and the team. He is just returning. He is very important for us. He brings spirit to the team, aside from his football ability."