West Ham United held Manchester United to a goalless draw in Thursday evening’s Premier League clash.
Jose Mourinho’s side had better chances during the match, but Hammers’ goalkeeper Adrian frustrated them with a couple of match-defining saves.
Three things we learned:
Mourinho achieves his season ambition
Mourinho has highlighted the need for Man Utd to finish second behind fierce rivals Manchester City.
He recognised West Ham’s attacking threat on home soil and fielded a more defensive side to calm the Hammers’ threat.
Thursday’s draw has helped the Red Devils secure the runners-up spot, with United second in the table and four points clear of third.
Mourinho may now give his fringe players a chance to impress in their final game against Watford to keep his first-team regulars fresh for the FA Cup final to come.
Martial’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain
Ahead of Thursday meeting with West Ham, Martial may have felt he’d be given a chance to impress as the season wind down. but he didn’t make it off the bench.
The French international was poor in United’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton on May 4 and was criticised by Mourinho after the game.
Martial has seen his game time reduced since Mourinho signed Alexis Sanchez in January and needs to win back his manager’s faith, otherwise a summer exit could be on the cards.
West Ham impress against another top-six side
West Ham have been remarkable against the top-six sides at home this season and maintained such form against Man Utd.
Since the turn of this year, only Manchester City have beaten them at the London Stadium, while the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal have been held to draws. Chelsea were beaten 1-0.
West Ham last game of the season is at home to Everton. They’ll be hoping to wrap up the Premier League campaign with all three points against Sam Allardyce’s men.