Cristiano Ronaldo recognised the importance of three points after Manchester United's slender 1-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Marcus Rashford, recalled to the side after starting Thursday night's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol on the bench, scored the only goal of the game, powering a fantastic header past Hammers shot-stopper Lukasz Fabiański shortly before half-time. The academy graduate connected beautifully with Christian Eriksen's excellent cross to net his 100th goal in United colours.
Despite getting their noses in front before the break, United failed to build on their advantage after the restart, instead relying on goalkeeper David de Gea to keep their lead intact. The Spaniard pulled off two outstanding saves, first keeping out a header from Kurt Zouma before tipping Declan Rice's long-range effort wide right at the death.
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It was a far from vintage and measured performance from United, in truth, but they held firm to get the job done and scoop all three points, lifting them up to fifth in the table and to within a point of the Champions League places. And for Ronaldo, who was awarded just his third league start of the campaign against the Hammers, it was a vitally important victory.
Taking to social media after the game, he posted on his Twitter page: "Three important points. #WellDoneLads."
Although it will be a game that will not live too long in the memory of many United supporters, such was the disjointed nature of the Reds' overall performance, it was one that helped them secure what could be a vital three points come the end of the campaign. They dug in deep and found a way to get the job done.
Reflecting on his side's showing, manager Erik ten Hag said: "The second half we could have done it better. We have to also be critical to ourselves.
"I am happy, don't get me wrong, with the spirit and the defending, but when you keep the ball better you have more control of the game."
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