MANCHESTER UNITED nicked a late 1-0 win against West Ham with Marcus Rashford coming off the bench to score the winner.
Alex Telles did well to keep Jarrod Bowen quiet while Cristiano Ronaldo was almost non-existent as the Red Devils barely threatened the Hammers' goal until the late strike.
It was an uneventful and goalless first-half with neither team managing a shot on target as United pressed well and continually forced the Hammers into aimless hoofs forward.
But the Red Devils couldn't do anything with the ball and the anti-Boris Johnson banner flown over Old Trafford pre-match was the most exciting thing to have happened after 45 minutes of play.
Ronaldo had the best chance when he somehow failed to get his head on Bruno Fernandes' inch-perfect cross. A certain goal had CR7 connected with his noggin.
The game finally livened up around the hour mark, although chances were still at a premium with Fred coming closest for the home side as West Ham looked to have earned a well-deserved point.
But as the clock hit 93 minutes, subs Edinson Cavani – who looked offside in the build up – and Rashford linked up and the England ace tapped in from close range to move the Red Devils into the top-four.
And here's what SunSport's Will Pugh thought of the Reds' individual performances.
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DAVID DE GEA – 6/10
Had nothing to do in the first-half. Like literally nothing. Might as well have sat in the Stretford End and watched.
Ditto in the second. Easiest £350,000 he's ever earned.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Did well to quash rare West Ham attacks down the left as Pablo Fornals and Aaron Cresswell had no luck.
Also joined in with attacks to reasonable effect, certainly more than Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who he is keeping out the team – does. Decent showing.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Same as De Gea. Very little to do before the break as West Ham's rare attacks came down Maguire's side rather than his. Did nothing wrong though.
Should have done better with a free header from a Telles corner just before the hour mark which looped over the bar.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Laid down an early marker by refusing to budge as Jarrod Bowen tried to burst into the box.
Wasn't challenged loads before the break but dealt with everything that came his way in commanding fashion.
Nearly knocked himself out when he charged into the back of Bowen trying to win a header which the pint-sized West Ham man got to first.
Booked for a wild lunge on the winger just moments later. Contact seemed minimal but he was out of control.
Earned his money.
ALEX TELLES – 7
United's press meant West Ham struggled to get the ball to their attackers but on the rare occasion they did, it was through Bowen who Telles largely managed to contain.
Excellent corner found Varane early in the second-half but the Frenchman failed to hit the target.
Can be pleased with his showing.
FRED (subbed, 81mins) – 6
Another whose afternoon was made easier by the good pressing of United's front men that West Ham struggled to deal with in the first-45.
Had one of the the best chances of the game four minutes after the break when a lucky bounce saw him played through but his left-footed strike was a nice height for Alphonse Areola who batted it away.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 6
Kept things ticking in the middle of the park but didn't have loads to do off the ball before the break as West Ham struggled to deal with United's high press.
Shut out Manual Lanzini well when West Ham venture into United's box at the end of the first-period.
Reasonable afternoon's work.
MASON GREENWOOD (subbed, 81mins) – 5
Good work off the ball, nowhere near effective enough in possession, just like most of his teammates.
Surprised he lasted as long as he did.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Whipped in a superb ball for Ronaldo just before the 20-minute mark but it missed the diving Ronnie's head by mere inches.
Worked hard on both sides of the ball and earned a huge cheer from the Stretford End when he tackled Aaron Cresswell on United's own goal line in the first-half.
Became less effective as the game wore on and the efforts he blazed over on 64 and 77 minutes kind of summed up United's afternoon until the goal.
ANTHONY ELANGA (subbed, 61mins) – 6
Heavily involved in the early stages as he looked to make something happen.
Faded out toward the end of the half but pressed well throughout as the Hammers panicked under the regular pressure.
Skewed a difficult half-volley wide on the hour mark. Understandably hooked.
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 5
Leaped to get on the end of a delightful Fernandes ball in the first-half but somehow managed to miss it when contact would have meant a certain goal.
Tried to win a penalty by waiting for Kurt Zouma to run into the back of him in the last 10 minutes of the first-half. Jon Moss and VAR having none of it and rightfully so.
Led the press reasonably well before the break but virtually non-existent in the second-half.
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Subs
MARCUS RASHFORD (replaced Elanga) – 7
Got Declan Rice booked moments after coming on as his England team-mate tugged him back.
Brought energy to proceedings as the game finally heated up and scored the dramatic late winner.
EDINSON CAVANI (replaced Fred) – 7
Looked offside in the build up to the winner but his pass was perfect and Rashford couldn't miss.
ANTHONY MARTIAL (replaced Greenwood) – 6
Booed by some fans when he came on but played Cavani in to set up Rashford.
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