Manchester United Vs. West Ham United Result Report

One win down, one to go. United are just three points away from retaining the Premier League title after a scintillating first half attacking display against West Ham at Old Trafford.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Carlos Tevez gave the Reds an unassailable lead inside the opening half-hour, although a stunning overhead kick from Dean Ashton and the dismissal of Nani were enough to set nerves jangling.

Just before the hour mark, Michael Carrick became the second former Hammer to score to put the result beyond doubt, meaning that a victory over Wigan next weekend will make United league champions for the 17th time.

Despite their exertions on Tuesday evening, Sir Alex Ferguson named the same starting eleven which overcame Barcelona, while Anderson, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, John O’Shea and Tomasz Kuszczak remained on the bench.

That meant no return for Nemanja Vidic, still sidelined on doctor’s advice after suffering a concussion against Chelsea, and Wayne Rooney, who continued his recovery from a hip injury.

Despite the absence of their main striker, the Reds were ahead after just three minutes as Ronaldo ended a goal drought – lengthy by his standards – of four games.

Picking the ball up on the right flank, the winger bamboozled Hammers skipper Lucas Neill, advanced into the area and fired a low shot inside Rob Green’s near post, via a slight deflection off George A thrilling game continued apace, and West Ham quickly established a foothold with a brilliant goal of their own. Brown couldn’t fully meet a chipped pass from Hayden Mullins and, as the ball looped up, Dean Ashton contorted brilliantly in mid-air to lash an overhead kick past the motionless Edwin van der Sar.

With West Ham reducing the deficit, there was still room for nerves, and they were heightened further when United were reduced to 10 men shortly before half-time. Nani tangled with Neill off the ball, the Hammers skipper pushed the young winger, who responded by nudging the Australian with his head. Both players fell theatrically to the ground and, after seeking the advice of his assistant, referee Mike Riley brandished the red card to Nani.

Sir Alex Ferguson responded by sending Ronaldo to his traditional role on the wing, leaving Tevez as the lone striker in a 4-4-1 formation. The goal plundering would have to wait, preserving the advantage was now the name of the game.

It took the Hammers until the 50th minute to test the Reds’ resolve. Ferdinand did well to clear under pressure after the impressive John Pantsil had fizzed in a low cross, and Scott Parker drilled the rebound well wide from 20 yards.

The Reds’ plan of containment rarely wavered, until just before the hour mark when Michael Carrick became the second ex-Hammer to score against his former side.

Taking advantage of acres of space in the centre of the park, Carrick strode into space and hit a low shot goalwards. Sweetly for United, the effort again took a deflection and bypassed the helpless Green. As an added bonus for the home contingent, the telling nick came off Neill.

Nerves now banished, United retained the attacking mantle. Scholes almost added to his midweek strike against Barcelona, but was thwarted by a last-ditch challenge from Parker, while Darren Fletcher sidefooted against the post after lovely approach play from fellow substitute Ryan Giggs.

West Ham’s attacking ambitions were almost extinguished, save a fierce pot-shot from striker Bobby Zamora which van der Sar did well to hold, and United were able to see out the remainder of the match in relative comfort.

Second-placed Chelsea travel to Newcastle on Monday, looking to make up United's three point lead. Whether they do or not, the Reds know that victory over Wigan at the JJB Stadium next weekend will be enough to retain the Premier League title.

Team Line- ups

MANCHESTER UNITED: Van der Sar; Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Scholes (O’Shea 73), Park (Giggs 61); Ronaldo (Fletcher 64), Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson

WEST HAM UNITED: Green; Pantsil, Neill, Tomkins, McCartney; Noble, Mullins (Sears 75), Parker, Boa Morte (Solano 52); Ashton (Cole 57), Zamora
Subs not used: Walker, Collinson

Attendance: 76,013