United’s attempts to end 2007 on a high were scuppered by West Ham as Alan Curbishley’s side earned a third win in a row against the Reds.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo in a scrappy and hard-fought game, and could have gone 2-0 had the Portuguese star converted a second-half penalty. With West Ham buoyed by Ronaldo’s miss, Curbishley’s side managed to snatch two goals and all three points. In truth, United were far from at their best and the Hammers were steeled to contain and frustrate. Unfortunately, their plan worked. But it could have been so different.

Carlos Tevez was given a rapturous reception from the Upton Park faithful before kick-off, a touching moment for a player who was instrumental in keeping the club up last season. Sir Alex observed the standing ovation at close quarters as he began the first of a two-game ban up in the stands.

United arrived in east London seeking a sixth league win in December, but had to go about business without Wayne Rooney, who was suffering from a virus. West Ham, too, were without their main striker. Dean Ashton was left on the bench by Curbishley, who preferred to pack his midfield with five players and let Carlton Cole lead the line on his own.

The tactics worked from the off as West Ham took control of the game. And with United not yet settled the Hammers very nearly scored inside the first ten minutes. A neat move on the edge of the area created space inside the box for Hayden Mullins, whose shot beat Tomasz Kuszczak but rebounded off the bar. Luckily for the Reds, Mark Noble - the goal at his