Daily WHUFC News - 11th May 2016

West Ham United 3-2 Manchester United
TUE, 10 MAY 2016
PREMIER LEAGUE
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Upton Park

West Ham United marked their departure from Upton Park after 112 years with a thrilling victory that may have ended Manchester United's chances of Champions League qualification. Louis van Gaal's side knew victory here and at home to Bournemouth this weekend would secure a top-four place - but this loss means Manchester City are two points clear of them going into their final game at Swansea City. The visitors' team coach arrived late and was attacked by Hammers fans as it made its way into the stadium, causing the kick-off to be delayed. When the action got under way West Ham dominated and should have led by more than Diafra Sakho's goal at the break. Antony Martial turned the game on its head and had Manchester United in charge with only 18 minutes remaining, first ending a sweeping move then beating Darren Randolph at his near post to put the visitors ahead. West Ham, however, were not to be denied and two towering headers in the space of four minutes from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid gave them the victory they richly deserved.
Barring a huge win for Manchester United at Bournemouth, Manchester City will pip them to a top-four finish with a point at Swansea on Sunday
Manchester United had their fate in their own hands knowing two victories - here and at home to Bournemouth on Sunday - would assure Champions League football next season. It was typical of their misfiring season that they squandered this chance with a performance that was for the most part lifeless, only lifted above mediocrity by the brilliance of Martial. United may have been affected by that late arrival and the delayed kick-off, but their first 45 minutes fell well short of what was needed given how high the stakes were. It was only down to West Ham's generosity in front of goal that Van Gaal's side were only 1-0 down at the interval. And when, against the run of play and thanks to Martial's excellence, they found themselves ahead with 18 minutes left they were still not good enough to make it count.
The hosts finally took their chances and scored twice in four minutes to once again reveal the flaws in this fragile Manchester United side.
First, Antonio rose high to power home Payet's cross before Reid headed in another delivery from the Frenchman, though David de Gea got a strong hand to it and should have kept it out.

In their 384th and final Premier League game at Upton Park, West Ham made it 601 points won on home soil in the division However, ugly scenes marred the start of the night as Manchester United's bus was attacked on its way to the ground There were disgraceful scenes outside Upton Park when the late arrival of Manchester United's team bus was greeted by a mass of West Ham fans who threw bottles at the bus and caused damage.
Inside, the old stadium staged one last hurrah that demonstrated the support and hostility that make it such a special arena - and showed why West Ham will find it almost impossible to recreate this potent combination at the Olympic Stadium. There were moving scenes before kick-off as a band played Abide With Me as the names and faces of West Ham's departed greats flashed up on the big screens, with the greatest applause inevitably being reserved - at its conclusion - for England World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. The game itself was played out in a cauldron, a cacophony of noise resounding around Upton Park for the entirety of a thrilling game. There were some moments when those inside did not cover themselves in glory, keeping the ball from visiting goalkeeper De Gea, which ironically led to the move that brought Martial's equaliser and then when a fan emerged from the Bobby Moore Stand and got close to the Spain goalkeeper, taunting him before he was dragged away by stewards.

A fitting end for excellent West Ham

The Hammers wanted to end the Upton Park era with a performance worthy of the old place - and they went out with a bang, producing an outstanding display which hinted at rich promise for what lies ahead. Slaven Bilic's side dominated for long spells, playing exciting, fluent football that provided a constant threat. The Croatian may not have been West Ham's first choice but he has proved charismatic, astute and someone with a sure touch when it comes to knowing what this club means and demands. He was in touch with the emotions of the occasion in the closing moments, tie and jacket discarded as he inspired his team to victory, looking almost moved to tears at the end. West Ham remain on course for the Europa League at the end of a fine season - a deserved reward to take to the Olympic Stadium.

Man of the match - Mark Noble
Mark Noble ensured his team-mate's heads did not drop after Manchester United took the lead and helped spark a memorable comeback. A captain's performance. West Ham have scored in each of their past 12 Premier League games, their longest scoring run in the competition.
The Red Devils managed just one shot in total in the first half - only against Manchester City on 25 October did they produce fewer this season in the Premier League.
Anthony Martial now has 17 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season, three more than any other player (Rooney 14).
The Red Devils scored with their first two shots on target of the game.
Since making his Premier League debut in August 2011, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has provided 40 assists, a haul only Manchester City forward David Silva (50) can better.
Dimitri Payet has been involved in 11 goals in his past 12 Premier League appearances (scoring three, assisting eight).
What next?
West Ham are still in the hunt for a fifth-place finish. They are one point behind Manchester United and travel to Stoke on Sunday. Manchester United, meanwhile, host Bournemouth and must win to have a chance of finishing in the top four.

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Man Utd coach attacked on way into Upton Park for West Ham match
BBC.co.uk

Ugly scenes marred West Ham's last game at Upton Park as Manchester United's coach was attacked before the match. Bottles were thrown, smashing the coach's glass as police escorted the visitors and kick-off was delayed. The Football Association "condemned the unsavoury incidents", adding it will also investigate objects being thrown during the game by home supporters. "It wasn't nice, the coach got smashed up," said visiting captain Wayne Rooney, before his side's 3-2 defeat. He told Sky Sports: "I'm sure West Ham as a club will be disappointed with what the fans have done."
Footage filmed on the coach by United winger Jesse Lingard showed the players shouting, screaming, laughing and hiding on the floor as the coach was hit by objects. West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium for the start of next season after 112 years at Upton Park, also known as the Boleyn Ground.
United goalkeeper David De Gea appeared to be targeted by water bottles from a section of the West Ham support. The FA said: "We will work closely with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to fully investigate these matters." Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal added: "I think the images shall tell everything. "It has an influence on the players - not just Manchester United, but also West Ham. I think it will be very aggressive because the fans were emotional. They will influence the game, I think."
West Ham co-Chairman David Sullivan played down the incident, telling BBC Radio 5 live that their opponents should have arrived earlier. "I don't understand why United couldn't get here at 4pm. They could have got here early. They knew it would be busy. It's crazy. "There was congestion in the street and they couldn't get the coach in. There were people around the coach, but there was no attack on the coach. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said an "appropriate policing plan is in place", adding: "We are aware that a number of items were thrown towards Manchester United's coach. "One police officer and a member of the public sustained minor injuries. There have been no arrests."

Jonathan Pearce, the BBC's commentator at Upton Park, said: "It is a terrible, terrible shame. The bottles were thrown just across the road from the iconic statue of World Cup winners [Geoff] Hurst, [Bobby] Moore and [Martin] Peters. "So many wonderful West Ham fans are here and they have been denied a perfect evening."

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty, also at the game, said: "Manchester United arrived late, as they did for the recent London game at Tottenham, and were met by thousands of West Ham United fans thronging around near the entrance to the stadium. "It was then that the attack on the team coach, as confirmed by United captain Wayne Rooney, took place. "Some of the behaviour of supporters outside has taken the edge of the celebratory tone of the occasion."

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West Ham chasing Vardy
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th May 2016
By: Staff Writer

The unnamed striker David Sullivan referred to in his interview with SSN is understood to be Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy.
The identity of the unnamed striker was unveiled on the KUMB Forum last night by in-house 'ITK' Jinxed, who confirmed that the 29-year-old is just one of a series of names being courted by the club ahead of next season. Meanwhile the €30million striker said to be at the heart of an official bid earlier this week, as also revealed by Sulivan on SSN, is Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette. The 24-year-old has spent the last six years as a pro with Les Gones, his only professional club.

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West Ham 3-2 Manchester United: Hammers win thriller on last Boleyn Ground outing
By Jack Wilkinson at the Boleyn Ground
Last Updated: 10/05/16 11:12pm
SSN

West Ham bade farewell to the Boleyn Ground with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday night. On an emotionally-charged night, where the Hammers ended their 112-year association with their iconic stadium, Winston Reid wrote his name in the history books with the landmark final goal, which proved to be the winner. Diafra Sakho's deflected strike had broken the deadlock on 10 minutes - but two Anthony Martial goals in 21 second-half minutes turned the game on its head as Louis van Gaal's side looked set to keep Champions League qualification in their own hands. But West Ham, who had overran their visitors in a stunning first-half display, found a second wind, wrestling back the lead through Michail Antonio before Reid hit the winner on 80 minutes. The result strengthens West Ham's claims for Europa League football, with the win enough to move them to within a point of Manchester United, who handed the initiative back to neighbours City in the race for the top four.
The Manchester United team were caught in crowd trouble en route to the Boleyn, with their bus windows smashed in unsavoury scenes outside the ground. Kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes but that only stoked the already passionate crowd gathering, who yearned for an early goal on their night of celebration. The visitors quelled an early West Ham onslaught but their defence was soon breached when Sakho, having peeled away to the penalty spot, twisted to guide Manuel Lanzini's pull-back past David de Gea via a deflection off Daley Blind. Blind's carelessness at the back almost gifted the hosts a second on 20 minutes, with the deep-lying Dutchman playing Carroll onside. Lanzini slotted the former England striker through on goal but De Gea came to the Red Devils' rescue, stopping a low effort with his legs. De Gea was breached on 22 minutes but Antonio was denied a second as referee Mike Dean and his officials judged the ball to have gone out of play leading up to the right-back's close-range header, and awarded a corner.
Wayne Rooney mustered his side's one, and only, shot of the first half, but his ambitious effort ballooned high into the Bobby Moore Stand. The Hammers dominated from there on, but Dimitri Payet was unable to convert their dominance into a second on 32 minutes when, after Martial was dispossessed Noble, he lashed his shot wide. Martial saw a half-hearted penalty claim waved away on the stroke of half-time as the Hammers went into the break with their deserved lead intact. Former West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick was introduced after the interval as Van Gaal sought a route back into the contest. And they were level within six minutes as Martial converted Juan Mata's pass from close range at the end of a brisk counter. Sakho should have restored the hosts' lead five minutes later but his stooping header failed to convert Payet's inch-perfect cross into the area. Martial then produced a moment of individual brilliance on 72 minutes as he skipped past Antonio and beat Darren Randolph at his near post with a chipped finish. But the Hammers rallied and were level within four minutes as Payet found Antonio with a short free-kick, and he floated a header home. The turnaround was complete 10 minutes from time as centre-back Reid's header evaded the clutches of De Gea and the Hammers ended their Boleyn Ground account with a victory that will live long in the memory. Manager Bilic was in tears as the full-time whistle sounded - before the fans were treated to a lavish closing ceremony to mark the final match at their home of 112 years.

Player ratings

West Ham: Randolph (6), Antonio (8), Reid (8), Ogbonna (7), Cresswell (7), Noble (9), Kouyate (7), Sakho (8), Lanzini (7), Payet (9), Carroll (7).
Used subs: Tomkins (5), Obiang (5), Valencia (n/a).
Man Utd: De Gea (7), Valencia (6), Smalling (6), Blind (7), Rojo (6), Herrera (6), Schneiderlin (5), Rooney (6), Mata (6), Rashford (6), Martial (9).
Used subs: Carrick (6), Januzaj (n/a), Lingard (n/a)

Man of the match: Dimitri Payet

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FA to investigate unsavoury scenes at Upton Park prior to West Ham vs Man United
23:11, 10 MAY 2016 UPDATED 23:21, 10 MAY 2016
BY JAMES WHALING
Kick-off at the Boleyn Ground was delayed by 45 minutes after the Red Devils' team bus was targeted by supporters outside the stadium
The Mirror

The FA have released a statement strongly condemning the unsavoury scenes outside Upton Park prior to Tuesday evening's match between West Ham and Manchester United. Kick-off at the Boleyn Ground was delayed by 45 minutes after the Red Devils' team bus was targeted by supporters outside the stadium. Bottles were thrown at the coach which led to United only entering the ground half an hour before the scheduled kick-off. When the game eventually did begin, visiting goalkeeper David De Gea was hit by bottles as he celebrated Anthony Martial's goal early in the second half.
The FA have also confirmed they will investigate the trouble both pre-match and during the game. In a statement released on Twitter, they said: "The FA strongly condemns the unsavoury incidents this evening involving both the Manchester United team coach outside West Ham United's Boleyn Ground and objects thrown from a section of the home support during the game. "We will work closely with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to fully investigate these matters."
On the pitch, it was an emotional goodbye to the famous old stadium for West Ham, as goals from Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid gave the Irons a 3-2 victory. Martial grabbed a brace for United, but they missed the opportunity to leapfrog neighbours Man City into fourth spot.

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West Ham 3-2 Manchester United: Reid winner seals fitting Boleyn Ground farewell - 5 things we learned
22:21, 10 MAY 2016 UPDATED 22:56, 10 MAY 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Reid headed home late on to seal a thrilling clash that looked to be heading United's way after Anthony Martial's brace
The Mirror

West Ham bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground with a stunning comeback against Manchester United. Anthony Martial turned the game on its head with a brace after Diafra Sakho's opener but West Ham hit back in style. Michail Antonio brought the hosts level before Winston Reid sent Upton Park wild with a late header. The clash was marred by violent scenes outside the ground before kick-off, which was delayed by 45 minutes. United's team bus was attacked on its way to the stadium with bottles thrown at the vehicle. On the pitch, West Ham said goodbye in fitting fashion.

Here are five things we learned.

1. Old habits die hard
What should have been a wonderful farewell to Upton Park was tarnished by a trip back in time. A minority of West Ham fans wanted to mark the occasion with some old fashioned violence as they attacked the Manchester United team bus. It's a great shame that pictures of the United coach - smashed and vandalised - will be associated with the last game at Upton Park. And, furthermore, children having to run for cover. We'll miss Upton Park for many reasons - but this was not one of them.

2. West Ham put on a good party inside
From paying tribute on the big screen as they showed great names from the past, to organising colour co-ordinated shirts for fans in the stands, West Ham did put on a good show. The noise and atmosphere at kick off and when Diafro Sakho scored was fantastic. They raised the roof. Yes, we've had no end of coverage in the past few days, even the "bubble technician" was interviewed. But when it came to the occasion itself, it was truly memorable. A fitting occasion to mark the end of one of English football's great cathedrals.

3. Carroll is a Euros no-no
England boss Roy Hodgson was at Upton Park and one moment in the first half was a reminder why Andy Carroll will not be in his squad. Carroll went clean through, had all the time in the world but, with only David De Gea to beat, wellied it straight at the Manchester United keeper.
Carroll is a great aerial threat, a potent weapon from crosses, and yet give him the ball at his feet and this was a reminder why he will not be going to France this summer. The Carroll for England brigade have gone rather quiet recently. They've probably toddled back off to their time machines to be transported back 20 years where Carroll could be a "different option." Yes, the option who misses big chances.

4. United's square pegs in round holes don't fit
Louis Van Gaal has got too many players playing out of position. It's as simple as that. A winger at right back, striker in midfield and, well, we're not quite sure what Marcos Rojo is but he was at left back. Morgan Schneiderlin, a huge disappointment since joining United, was hooked at half time in favour of Michael Carrick. Carrick seemed to give them balance, they had a better shape and - surprise, surprise - they finally got going in the second half.

5. Top four spot in doubt for United
Manchester United needed a win to keep it in their own hands and couldn't manage it. Louis Van Gaal could still turn it over on the final day - but it's not looking great. Manchester City must go to Swansea for what will surely be a harder game than United's last match when they host Bournemouth. But City only need a point now, while United must win, to secure fourth.

Player ratings
Randolph 6 - Largely unemployed, no chance with equaliser.
Antonio 7 - Bombed forward so well but defensively exposed on occasions. Scored the equaliser with a superb header.
Reid 7 - A class operator – not that he was too busy in the first half. Headed the winner - the final goal at Upton Park.
Ogbonna 6 - Won big headers but bypassed before Martial goal.
Cresswell 6 - Tidy distribution but missed header in build-up to equaliser
Noble 7 - The skipper drove West Ham forward and can pick a pass.
Kouyate 6 - Not one of his most effective nights – but always a trier.
Lanzini 7 - At the centre of most of West Ham's best work.
Payet 6 - Lovely set-piece delivery but squandered one great chance,
Carroll 6 - Fine hold-up play but messed up a one-on-one.
Sakho 6 - Took goal well – then missed two better chances.

Man United
De Gea 7 - Made a couple of useful first-half stops, always commanding.
Valencia 7 - Strong in the tacle, United have missed him this season.
Smalling 7 - Cool on the ball and held things together on a tough night.
Blind 5 - Caught out of position on several occasions, even if decent on ball.
Rojo 6 - Industrial tackling at times, but effective.
Schneiderlin 5 - Largely anonymous in the anchor role and hooked at half-time.
Herrera 6 - Neat, tidy, but not often going anywhere.
Mata MOM 8 - Lively, shrewd, played key role in Martial leveller.
Rooney 7 - Some visionary passing and crossing. Always busy.
Martial booked 7 - Took both goals well and pace caused problems.
Rashford 6 - A quiet night for the boy wonder.

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motional Slaven: "Every box was ticked"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Hugely emotional Slaven Bilic claimed this game had ticked all the boxes and maybe should have been over at half time. The manager said: "We have broken records and tonight were so highly motivated and although we were under pressure we were totally determined that we would not lose. "We had the chances to have won the game by half time but we dug in and refused to be beaten – it was fantastic. "We knew Manchester United would be up for it in a big way but we got it absolutely right – it was perfect. Every box as ticked. "We totally deserved the result. It was a special game and a very special night. The crosses came in and the delivery and finishes were perfect. It was a great great result."

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Noble: "It was written in the stars"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Captain Mark Noble summed it all up at the end declaring: "It was written in the stars." And he added that there was a total determination not to lose despite facing facing a very good Manchester United side. He said: "They make the pitch so big but we were never going to lose. We just wouldn't accept that and I am so totally proud of of the players. "In previous seasons we would have been beaten but not this squad – there's such an amazing spirit and in the end as I say it was written in the stars for us." Winston Reid – who now enters the history books as the last goalscorer at the Boleyn – simply said: "It was simply meant to be."

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It's tearful Slaven as Irons supply perfect ending
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Irons 3 Man United 2

My Lady Boleyn – you deserved ever second of that truly wonderful game of football – thank you for everything. It's been marvelous and what a way to say goodbye.

Manchester United – our oldest and perhaps fiercest enemyhaving come from one down to lead 2-1 beaten 3-2 by a West Ham showing absolutely everything you want from your team…, great passing…terrific goals and the ability to face up to adversity and laugh at it.

We beat a team who thought they had their feet in the Champions League because of a new found resilieince and determination to ensure this on our most important night ever we simply wouldn't be beaten.

Winston Reid scored the last ever goal the Boleyn will see – a great effort from the inevitable Payet free kick and it was over, finished. The perfect ending.

Sakho had opened the scoring with a deflected effort after some perfect football and from Lanzini and Cresswell.

But United levelled six minutes into the second half through Martial after a long De Gea punt was helped on by Mata. Martial added the second with a tightly angled shot and with 15 minutes left Payet finally found Antonio to head home and then came the Reid winner.

We so wanted it…we challenged for absolutely everything and anything other than an Irons victory would have been a total injustice.

This may well have been the greatest game of football seen on this old and wonderful ground has ever seen – I don't know. But if it wasn't then it's a photo finish.

Amazing game…amazing stadium and at the end Slaven was in tears -sometimes words are not enough so we'll repeat the only two that matters to the lads, the manager, the owners and everybody involved at the club but chiefly to the Lady Boleyn:

THANK YOU Thank you for everything!

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