United Triumph at Home to West Ham

Manchester United's improving form continued as they beat West Ham 3-1 at Old Trafford to record their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

West Ham's mid-week turnaround at Tottenham could not provide the momentum to carry them through this test at Old Trafford as goals from Welbeck, Januzaj and Young sealed West Ham's fifth defeat in seven Premier League matches, despite a second half consolation from Carlton Cole.

Manchester United started strongly, Adrian making a fine point-blank save from Tom Cleverley, denying the midfielder his second goal in two games. Adrian made another good save from Valencia, tipping a low shot around the post.

Welbeck tucks the ball away to give United the lead.

However it did not take them long to take the lead as they struck in the twenty fifth minute after capitalising on a quick free kick. The ball broke with Rooney teeing up Welbeck for a sweet finish across the front of keeper Adrian.

United's lead was doubled ten minutes later through youngster Adnan Januzaj. Only moments after correctly being denied a penalty, the winger completed a one-two with Welbeck on the left before cutting back and burying the ball in the far corner of the net.

Their first half domination continued after the second goal with a lighting fast counter attack, narrowly put over the bar by Valencia. Januzaj was then booked for a poor dive highlighting how this youngster still has a long way to go.

Januzaj scores a composed goal.

The second half started much the same; Manchester United looking solid with West Ham lacking any sort of cutting edge. However an injury to in-form Welbeck will be a blow for United. West Ham looked slightly improved in the second half, Rooney having to clear a corner off the line after a couple of dangerous headers.

United had a goal ruled out incorrectly for offside when Valencia played in Hernandez. However, this was made up for minutes later when Ashley Young lashed home a third from the edge of the box after another assist from Rooney, Young's second goal in two games.

As with the lunch-time kick off the away team scored a consolation goal, Carlton Cole tucking the ball beneath De Gea with a calm finish. However, they could not expand on this goal as the game ended 3-1, despite a flurry of late chances for United.

Cole tucks away a consolation goal.

The win sees Moyes' team move above Tottenham to 7th in the League although that could change tomorrow when Tottenham take on Southampton. West Ham were lucky to avoid dropping further down the table as the teams around them also either lost or drew so they remain in 17th position, only one point above the drop.