Goals change games.

They also change the perception of games – and that was the case at Old Trafford as Marcus Rashford’s last gasp injury time winner gave Ralf Rangnick all three points after a tight afternoon’s work against West Ham.

David Moyes admitted to being ‘pissed off’ with the last-gasp nature of the result, as well he might be – the Hammers had acquitted themselves well in a pragmatic shape that looked good value for a draw.

Fortune favoured the brave – and Rangnick’s three substitutes all combined with Rashford the beneficiary, tapping in Cavani’s cross.

It was a dramatic moment, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s return aside, there has probably not been a more popular goal than this for a few years at this ground – Rashford has had his struggles in recent months, but the relief and delight was etched on his face as he celebrated the strike that takes United (temporarily at least) into the top four.

The hosts dominated possession and most of the attacking play but had little to show for it in the first half. The returning Harry Maguire had made three impressive defensive contributions early on but began to frustrate the home crowd with aimless headed clearances which gave West Ham more of the ball than they probably planned for.

There was, as at Brentford, a definite purpose to United in the second half, with an increase in tempo – but West Ham still only had to be organised, and not particularly brilliant, with their own defensive work. Declan Rice’s positional movement was a highlight for the visitors, who, like Wolves recently, started to grow in confidence as the game neared its conclusion.

Rangnick’s men had started to be reduced to long-range efforts, with Fernandes and Dalot not getting anywhere close. Varane’s flashed header from a corner looked as though it might be the closest United would get to a goal.

The United boss went for broke towards the end, moving Fernandes into midfield and taking Fred off. Rashford was first on, and then Cavani and Martial, the latter greeted by boos by some sections of the crowd following his recent issues.

But the Frenchman was at least somewhat proactive, and looked dangerous on the ball – and he was involved in the late drama, taking Ronaldo’s pass and slipping it through to Cavani. The Uruguayan was just onside, and his square ball was tapped home in front of the Stretford end.

Old Trafford has seen its fair share of late drama this season. United have, more than just once in the past, won with their last kick of the game. It was a big moment for Rashford, who will undoubtedly have felt the love from the home crowd – he can hopefully use this as a catalyst for better things.

Goals really do change games – on this occasion, there’s the literal result. But it turned a flat and uninspiring affair that would have brought the manager criticism into one where he can breathe a sigh of relief and can also say he deserved.

United deserved their win on the balance of the play, and without ever being particularly outstanding, ground out a result that could yet turn out to be crucial.

Selection / Tactics

Rangnick seemed to go for a 4-2-3-1 in the first half and it did not look particularly impressive; United were able to control the game because West Ham didn’t seem to want to, even though their own midfield looked much more competent than the hosts. It was a move from the 4-3-3 that has done well recently.

In the second half, with the result on the line, the manager was bold enough to take off a midfielder and commit men forward. Without question, this proactivity changed the game, and there can be no greater emphatic justification of his choice by the fact all three of his changes combined for the winner.

It’s been the most impressive week in terms of Rangnick getting to grips with the squad he has – and even though it is baby steps at the moment, we’ll take them.

Ratings

De Gea 6

Dalot 5

Varane 6

Maguire 6

Telles 6

McTominay 6

Fred 5

Greenwood 6

Fernandes 5

Elanga 6

Ronaldo 5

Subs

Rashford 6

Cavani

Martial