West Ham United v Manchester United: winners and losers

Every week I’ll be bringing you the winners and losers from West Ham United’s games. So check back here every week and let me know if you agree or disagree with who won and who lost.

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It was an ugly game on a number of levels and the 4-0 scoreline only makes it uglier. Manchester United dominated every aspect of the game and it sure felt crappy to be a Hammer fan. Time to see who won and who lost.

Winner: Romelu Lukaku:

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The man is a beast. The Belgium forward has scored 12 goals in the last 11 games against West Ham and his Manchester United debut couldn’t have gone better. He scored a brace and started to pay off his huge £75 price tag. There were questions of whether or not he could score for a top team and it seems like the questions are answered. In fact, he might be even better now that he has top talent around him.

Winner: Nemanja Matic:

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The Serbian midfielder lived up to his £40 million price. His persistence in the midfield led to Man U’s first goal and he consistently put pressure on Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble. He looks to be the exact right signing for Manchester United and looks to have taken them from outside title contender, to solid contender in one game.

Loser: Antonio Conte and Chelsea:

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Matic showed exactly how go he is and how much Chelsea will miss him. The blue embarrassing loss to Burnley (lolz) was bad but Matic’s fantastic display poured salt on the wound.

Winner: Grumpy West Ham fans:

It was more of what we saw last year, inept defending, lackluster attacking, horrible passing, and a general lack of anything to give fans hope. Those who already wanted Slaven Bilic out have even more ammunition and it’s only week one. Any more displays like that and the crowd is sure to get louder.

Loser: Slaven Bilic:

Even though many predicted to come out on the losing end, there was nothing to give anyone watching that game hope for a better future. It was more of the same issues we saw last season and despite the addition of veteran leadership in the backline and in goal the defense looked unorganized and nervous.

Loser: Arthur Masuaku:

He was tipped to take control of the left back position from Aaron Cresswell. Well, that sorta happened and then he let it slip through his fingers. Masuaku got the start over the England international but that’s about it. He was alright going forward but his defending left plenty to be desired. He lacked control his dribbles, his passing was sub-par, and he was caught joking with Lukaku before the Belgian headed home the second goal of the game. Cresswell will likely take the starting spot back this week.

Winner: Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio:

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The Argentina midfielder didn’t play a minute but he came out a huge winner after Manchester United’s drubbing. In the midst of new contract talks and potential interest from Liverpool The Jewel’s stock only went up. He showed exactly how important he is to the Hammer’s attack. If I was Lanzini I’d immediately ask Mr. David Gold and Sullivan for a hefty raise on whatever it is they were offering me. Lanzini’s price also probably went up if there is any interest in The Jewel.

Antonio’s stock went up as well and he didn’t play either. Andre Ayew’s disappearance on the right showed why Antonio is so important. His pace and work rate were needed to help spread out the midfield. He should be back this week so the Hammer’s attack should be in better shape.

Loser: Andre Ayew:

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Ayew had the chance to stake out his spot on the right wing. I’m not even sure the Ghana winger was on the field. He completely disappeared against Manchester United. There’s not much to say other than when Antonio returns it’s his spot on the wing for the foreseeable future.

Loser: Pedro Obiang:

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An off season of hype for Obiang culminated in a disappointing performance Sunday. Many expected him to hold down the midfield with Kouyate. The Senegal midfielder was out injured and Obiang partnered with Mark Noble instead. Obiang was well off his game. His lackadaisical play led directly to United’s first goal. There were at least two other times his lack of urgency led to turnovers and quick counter attacks by Man U.