Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy believes the introduction of Marcus Rashford from the bench was the driving force behind Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham.
Rashford — who stepped off the bench just past the hour mark, replacing Anthony Elanga — tapped home a dramatic 93rd minute winner to seal a second straight win for Ralf Rangnick's side and lift them back into the top-four.
The England star found himself in the right place at the right time to tuck home Edinson Cavani's low cross to secure a big three points in United's quest to finish in the Champions League places this term.
Although his match-winning goal was his most important contribution against the Hammers, Murphy, speaking on Match of the Day, felt Rangnick's decision to call upon Rashford as a 62nd minute substitute was a defining moment that turned the contest in United's favour.
Murphy said: The quality that United had to bring off the bench was what won them the game, especially Rashford.
"We saw a different energy about him. There has been a lot of chat about his body language and his intent, or lack of it. When he came on, I think with 28 minutes to go, it is exactly what you want; someone bringing on a sharpness and fresh.
"He was running in behind and he was running at people, like the Rashford we have seen for the last few seasons. He looked like a confident Rashford, the one that causes players problems.
"He had a bit of confidence about himself and was causing mayhem in the West Ham backline. Up until the substitutions were made, especially with Rashford, the game was quite level and there wasn't really much in it."
Just a week on from Rangnick confirming that Anthony Martial had refused to travel for the game at Aston Villa, the Frenchman faced the Old Trafford crowd for the first time, also stepping off the bench in the second half.
Despite being booed by some fans, Martial, in Murphy's eyes, made a strong impression.
"Martial came on and he has had some criticism recently, rightfully so. He had a point to prove," he added.
"He was running about, putting himself about, trying to get on the ball and the two of them [Martial and Rashford] were linking up.
"It gave Manchester United the impetuous in the final stages of the game."
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