Rasmus Hojlund celebrated his 21st birthday in style by continuing his impressive scoring run, finding the back of the net for the fourth consecutive Premier League game as Manchester United secured a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho also played a starring role, bagging a brace that left the visitors rueing several missed opportunities.
Despite West Ham enjoying more possession in the attacking third, it was Manchester United who displayed clinical efficiency in front of goal.
Hojlund broke the deadlock midway through the first half after a determined effort from Casemiro led to a well-placed shot past the diving Lukasz Fabianski.
West Ham’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow early in the second half when Garnacho capitalized on a defensive lapse, cutting inside before his shot deflected off Nayef Aguerd and beat Fabianski.
The Hammers’ best chance to reduce the deficit was denied by a superb sliding challenge from Diogo Dalot to thwart Jarrod Bowen’s attempt.
Manchester United extended their lead further when Kalvin Phillips lost possession in midfield, allowing Scott McTominay to set up Garnacho for his second goal of the match.
However, United’s joy was tempered by the sight of Lisandro Martinez hobbling off with a knee injury in the second half, casting a shadow over an otherwise impressive performance.
With this win, Manchester United leapfrogged West Ham into sixth place in the Premier League standings, positioning themselves six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
