Marcus Rashford scored with the last kick of the game to deal a decisive blow to West Ham’s hopes of a top four finish.
Having won at Brentford in midweek, the hosts had the chance to leapfrog West Ham and former manager David Moyes with a win today, something the Hammers had appeared to have prevented until the dying moments.
Neither side managed a shot on target across a stodgy first half, though Cristiano Ronaldo came agonisingly close to meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross just yards out from goal.
Alphonse Areola had to save from Fred early in the second half before Jarrod Bowen fired a volley on his weaker foot into the side netting at the other end.
Ralf Rangnick sent Marcus Rasford, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial on to try and force a winner but West Ham held firm, until the final seconds.
A poor header from Ryan Fredericks landed the ball with Ronaldo who quickly found Cavani. The forward, just onside, squared for Rashford to tap in at break West Ham hearts.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers…
Alphonse Areola 7
Could do nothing about the goal after those ahead of him were pulled apart in the dying seconds.
Vladimir Coufal 6
Did well up against Anthony Elanga and then Mason Greenwood but was pinned back by Alex Telles and struggled to get involved in the final third.
Craig Dawson 7
A couple of early errors but more than made up for them and was solid alongside Zouma at the back.
Brought a level of composure back to the West Ham defence. Sharp to cut out problems, a very welcome return.
Aaron Cresswell 6
Struggled going forward against Diogo Dalot in the first half and was a little wasteful on the ball but was solid at the back.
Declan Rice 8
Fine defensive display from the England international. Kept Fernandes quiet for the most part.
Tomas Soucek 7
His usual disruptive presence in midfield but, playing in a more advanced role than usual this season, struggled to make an impact going forward.
Jarrod Bowen 7
Perhaps West Ham’s greatest threat throughout and kept running at the United defence but to no avail.
Manuel Lanzini 6
Worked hard off the ball but couldn’t make things click when the Hammers won possession.
Pablo Fornals 5
Very wasteful on the ball in the first half, with some questionable decision making.
Michail Antonio 5
Starved of service but struggled to hold the ball up and bring others into play. Kept working until the last but it wasn’t coming off for Antonio here.
Substitutes
Ryan Fredericks 5
Had done well until his poor header allowed United in to score the winner.
