West Ham beat Manchester United 3-2 to mark their departure from Upton Park after 112 years.
The win that may have ended Manchester United’s chances of Champions League qualification.
Louis van Gaal’s side knew victory here and at home to Bournemouth this weekend would secure a top-four place – but this loss means Manchester City are two points clear of them going into their final game at Swansea City.
The visitors’ team coach arrived late and was attacked by Hammers fans as it made its way into the stadium, causing the kick-off to be delayed.
When the action got under way West Ham dominated and should have led by more than Diafra Sakho’s goal at the break.
Antony Martial turned the game on its head and had Manchester United in charge with only 18 minutes remaining, first ending a sweeping move then beating Darren Randolph at his near post to put the visitors ahead.
West Ham, however, were not to be denied and two towering headers in the space of four minutes from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid gave them the victory they richly deserved.
Manchester United had their fate in their own hands knowing two victories – here and at home to Bournemouth on Sunday – would assure Champions League football next season.
It was typical of their misfiring season that they squandered this chance with a performance that was for the most part lifeless, only lifted above mediocrity by the brilliance of Martial.
United may have been affected by that late arrival and the delayed kick-off, but their first 45 minutes fell well short of what was needed given how high the stakes were. It was only down to West Ham’s generosity in front of goal that Van Gaal’s side were only 1-0 down at the interval.
And when, against the run of play and thanks to Martial’s excellence, they found themselves ahead with 18 minutes left they were still not good enough to make it count.
The hosts finally took their chances and scored twice in four minutes to once again reveal the flaws in this fragile Manchester United side.
First, Antonio rose high to power home Payet’s cross before Reid headed in another delivery from the Frenchman, though David de Gea got a strong hand to it and should have kept it out. – BBC.
