Reds hammer Irons despite defensive crisis
Scholes bagged opener
By Chris,
December 6 2009
A superb second-half performance from Manchester United saw Fergie’s men steamroller their way to a 4-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground. The Reds wrapped up maximum points despite a defensive crisis, which saw Darren Fletcher at full-back and Michael Carrick forced to come off the bench and play centre-half.
The
Hammers missed a handful of first-half chances before United broke the deadlock
on the stroke of half-time. Paul Scholes rolled back the years with a thumping
strike as the Reds closed the gap on leaders Chelsea.
Fergie's
side, who lost Gary Neville and later Wes Brown threw injury, oozed class after
the break and another wonderful strike from Darron Gibson doubled the
advantage.
Antonio
Valencia's tap-in sealed the win, before the winger crossed for Rooney who
bagged United's fourth.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with United's
second-half display, but will be concerned by injury woes. Fletcher started at
full-back, and substitute Carrick came on at centre-half with United's list of
injured defenders now eight-strong.
The United boss will be hoping some of those problems
have subsided for next weekend's league clash against Villa - but a host of
changes can be expected mid-week as the Reds complete their Champions League
group campaign in Wolfsburg.
Full Time - West Ham
United 0-4 Manchester
United
Attendance - 34,980