Manchester United headed into halftime of their clash against West Ham with a 1-0 lead, the Red Devils need to pick up their form after winning just one out of their last five games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side weren’t too convincing in the first-half against the Hammers, they benefited from two strokes of luck in the opening 45 minutes.
West Ham had the ball in the net in the opening ten minutes of the clash, but Felipe Anderson’s strike was controversially ruled out for being offside. Less than ten minutes after their lucky escape, the Red Devils won a penalty in the 17th minute after Robert Snodgrass tackled Juan Mata in the box.
Paul Pogba stepped up and smashed the ball down the middle of the goal to give Solskjaer’s men the lead.
Take a look at the goal here.
Despite Anthony Martial and Juan Mata both being involved in the buildup to the penalty, the pair struggled to show their cutting edge in the first-half of proceedings.
Check out some reaction to the star’s performances below:
I have always loved mata. But now he is running like a snail.! With all due respect to his creativity, he is too slow.
Sorry that he needs to go.
About jones and smalling – I have no words!— Vishnu (@Vishnu29517444) April 13, 2019
Even his final ball has gone.
— King Caesar (@Caesar_Lebeko) April 13, 2019
Too slow, need to pick it up second half and put the game to bed
— John (@John04407982) April 13, 2019
Smack martial on the head
— Kai – @MagicalAlexis (@UtdGreenwood) April 13, 2019
This team doesn’t deserve Top Four.
— Underappreciated Luke (@Justin_King_SR) April 13, 2019
This team doesn’t deserve Top Four.
— Underappreciated Luke (@Justin_King_SR) April 13, 2019
Martial has had a shocker, poor game,poor decision making. Always getting away with out criticism.
— darkenrahl (@darkenrahl19) April 13, 2019
We have been absolutely awful. Defensively all over the place. Barely anything going forward.
Juan Mata is finished. Martial also been terrible.
— MufcC? (@MufcCentral_) April 13, 2019
What is this half? Just so poor in my eyes.
— Azhar Rashad (@azhar_rashad7) April 13, 2019
Martial following the footsteps of Ashley Young smh
— Jazz (@jayyyzee21) April 13, 2019
So many wrong passes from Martial and he’s so lazy in defense. And Lingard is invisible. He absutely did nothing in this game.
— Anisya Sharon (@sharonanisya) April 13, 2019
Mata has become slow no… Martial n lingard both r not able to finish on counterattacks..
Good thing is dalot is back in his natural position
Need another good striker next season— Rohit – ????? (@stupiddentist) April 13, 2019
Nobody teaches Martial off the ball movement in training??? Absolutely awful
— Steven (@StevenUtd_) April 13, 2019
United need to come away with a win today, in order to improve their chances of finishing in the top four. A win against the Hammers will do them a world of good, the side will be able to carry this momentum into their mammoth clash against Barcelona on Tuesday evening.