Manchester United boosted their credentials of finishing in the top four positions with a 1-0 win over West Ham in their last Premier League outing at Old Trafford.
A Craig Dawson own goal in the first half proved to be enough to secure three points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on the night, as United moved to within fourteen points of first-placed Manchester City – and nine clear of West Ham, albeit the East London outfit have an extra game in hand.
Leaving it all on the pitch against West Ham
While the entire team fought their best to keep the Hammers’ efforts at bay, it was Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in particular who constituted a major talking point on Twitter after a painful picture of the duo emerged following the West Ham win.
The screenshot from the live telecast featured the Portuguese talisman clutching his hamstring as the English forward took a breather for himself in the 80th minute of the game. The job was not done yet despite both of them putting in incredible shifts to ward off the Hammers’ efforts in the second half.
Leading from the front
Rashford and Fernandes have arguably been two of United’s standout performers throughout the season so far, with their exploits in the opposition half making the difference in most of the club’s games this season.
Fernandes, who has scored 16 goals in the league and assisted a further 10 goals, along with Rashford, who has scored and assisted nine goals each, account for almost half of United’s total goal tally (56) so far this season – but it was their exploits in defensive transition which helped United get the three points against West Ham this past weekend.
Is Man United running them ragged?
While most of the Red Devils’ faithful praised the dynamic duo for their valiant efforts, a section of the support also criticized Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for not taking his best players off – risking potential injuries to both of United’s main men this season.
Ole is literally using Rashford & Bruno until there’s nothing left of them 💀
— ً (@R10UTD) March 14, 2021
Bruno and Rashford have carried United so much this season, you can literally see them crumbling with fatigue
— Tom Berry (@TJBerry95) March 14, 2021
Fans react to painful photo of Bruno and Rashford
Manchester United’s stand-out performers on the night were applauded by fans on social media, as they ‘fought for the badge’ and eventually secured the three points for their beloved club in a hard-fought game against David Moyes’ men.
These two have grafted all season and this picture says it all but they both still give everything. 🙌🔴 pic.twitter.com/61133V8K1X
— UTFR 🇾🇪 (@ManUtd_HQ) March 14, 2021
Regardless of what anyone thinks Monsieur, Rashford and Bruno has done so well for us this season, they’ve covered every blade of grass and fought for the badge. Yes, they’ve been overplayed but they won’t complain and they won’t stop. All respect deserved 💪 pic.twitter.com/ttgwQtzkfm
— 🇫🇷™ (@RemyBaguette) March 14, 2021
this picture just speaks for itself pic.twitter.com/xOwsA04F7s
— ☔️ (@PP6AM9) March 14, 2021
This picture really sums up a lot of Manchester United’s problems at the moment – we’re shattered. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were exhausted at the final whistle. Injuries and the constant 3 game weeks has really taken its toll on us. pic.twitter.com/56dEZifwoa
— Amrane LOUDA (@LoudaAmrane) March 14, 2021