Talking points from United 1 West Ham 0

Marcus Rashford headed in Christian Eriksen's pinpoint cross, before the interval, for what proved to be the decider, although Fred hit a post in the second half.

There was no way past Alphonse Areola, who replaced Lukasz Fabianski in the visitors' goal at half-time, so things were on a knife-edge, particularly with the Hammers upping the pressure in the closing stages.

However, the Reds held out for three more precious points and these are some of the main issues for debate afterwards...

ACADEMY LANDMARK

This weekend marked 85 years since the consecutive run of matchday squads with a homegrown player included. The tradition was kept up with four Academy products involved - Rashford and Anthony Elanga in the XI, plus Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho on the bench. It's something for everybody at the club to be proud of, particularly as our graduates provide such telling contributions.

TON-UP FOR RASHFORD

Marcus is in some esteemed company after reaching three figures for the Reds in all competitions with his first-half header. He is the 22nd United man to reach 100 goals and his seventh of the campaign separated the teams at the interval. Rashy also hit a dramatic late winner in last season's home fixture against the Hammers. 

SCAMACCA FORTUNATE

West Ham's Gianluca Scamacca was perhaps lucky not to receive a second yellow card when catching Lisandro Martinez with a high boot inside the United box. The visiting striker clearly hurt our Argentina international in the challenge but referee Chris Kavanagh decided it just warranted a free-kick. David Moyes wisely withdrew Scamacca in the 57th minute, with Michail Antonio coming on in his place.

KING DAVID

David De Gea showed his class yet again with two superb saves as the east Londoners sought an equaliser. The Spaniard tipped over a belter from substitute Antonio and then produced the sort of stunning stop that has become his trademark, clawing away a goalbound header by Kurt Zouma. In the dying seconds, Declan Rice brought the best out of our no.1 again with a raking drive. There were big performances from all of the defenders, with Diogo Dalot making a string of vital headers deep inside his own area, but David came up trumps when he was called upon.

ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET

The lads just love keeping the opposition at bay, as was evidenced by the wild celebrations in front of the East Stand at the end. The 1-0 win means we have conceded only one goal in our last six matches, and that was a penalty by Jorginho in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea. It's also a run of five home games without conceding a goal for Ten Hag's team.

BRUNO BANNED

Bruno Fernandes picked up a yellow card for a trip on Jarrod Bowen in the closing stages, which is a costly one. It means the Portugal midfielder misses our next league outing, away to Aston Villa next Sunday. Fellow Red Scott McTominay has already served a suspension for accumulating five bookings in the competition.

HOW THINGS STAND

This felt like a pivotal fixture after defeats for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool this weekend and the three points leave the Reds in fifth spot, a point and a place behind Newcastle United but with a game in hand on the Magpies. Tottenham are a further two points ahead but, again, they have played a game more than Ten Hag's men. 

NEXT UP

Our final Europa League group-stage game takes place in San Sebastian as the Reds must travel to Spain for the key tie with Real Sociedad. Thursday's 17:45 GMT kick-off will determine who wins the group and avoids a play-off against one of the third-placed Champions League sides next year. United must win by two clear goals to topple the current leaders, after their 1-0 win at Old Trafford in our opening fixture of the competition.