Manchester United have not given up in the top four Premier League race as they were able to dent West Ham's chances with a late Marcus Rashford winner.
After a rather even contest before the two top four contenders, Rashford, who had come under severe criticism from his own fans in recent weeks was there when it mattered to round off a free flowing move including Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial.
The former of the pair could have easily been adjudged to have gone a little early in the move with the VAR freeze frames showing the inches that in the end went in favour of the Uruguayan- a decision that incensed David Moyes in the away dugout.
Nevertheless, the goal was given and the Red Devils took the big three points that now makes them strong favourites to at least finish above the Hammers this season due to the momentum shift with the result.
Tomas Soucek's headed effort a few minutes before the winning goal went in could have resulted in a different outcome for the east Londoners, but just like they have done many times in the past, United showed the mettle and know how to snatch a win in what used to be called 'Fergie time'.
The result now leaves United in fourth place, six points behind third placed Chelsea with Rangnick have a game in hand on his mentee Thomas Tuchel.
Despite moving slightly clear of the two north London clubs, both have significant games in hand to close the gap and even leapfrog the 13-times Premier League winners in the forthcoming weeks. However, the north London derby is one of those games, meaning at least one team will drop points in the race.
With all London clubs left a little frustrated by Rangnick and co for late winner in the top four face, Cristiano Ronaldo's warning has come to fruition despite rumoured dressing room unrest in Salford.
"Manchester United should win the league or be second or third. I don't see other positions for Manchester United to be honest, I don't see. In my eyes, I don't accept that our mentality be less than to be in the top three," he said recently.
"We are capable to change things now. I don't know the specific way I'm a player, not the coach, the president, I know the way but I'm not going to mention it here because I think it's not ethic [sic] from my part to say that.
"What I can say and something I can say we are in control, we can do it better, all of us. Manchester belongs in important things, we have to change that.
"I don't want to be here in a club to fight to be in sixth or seventh or fifth place, I'm here to try to win, to compete. I think we compete but we are not yet at our best level. Long way to improve and I believe if we change our mind, we can achieve big things."
The question is now whether or not United can continue their mini winning streak with both Middlesbrough and more importantly Burnley coming up in the FA Cup and Premier League respectively.
