Until that last Tuesday, it seemed almost like a fairytale. The results were formidable, the long-awaited return of Cristiano Ronaldo became somewhat real, and the entire atmosphere surrounding Old Trafford spontaneously turned into euphoria.But that was the thing before Tuesday when those Young Boys (pun intended) ruined the party for the experienced Red Devils and put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching skills and authority under severe scrutiny. The heat is on, the pressure is high – is this Solskjaer’s year?The heavy UCL defeat showed how vulnerable United actually are once you misplace a single piece of their puzzle. With one man down (Van Bissaka) half an hour into the game, their entire tactics succumbed and couldn’t retrieve against the – let’s be honest there – modest Swiss side. The face says it all… Solskjaer with his assistant Michael Carick (©Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)Bearing that in mind, West Ham United deserve hope before today’s matinee at London Stadium, where the Hammers will try to hold on for, at least, a draw that would keep them safe in the mid-table surroundings.Unlike their opponents, West Ham were anything but inconsistent in their maiden Europa League group stage game at Zagreb. A deserved 2-0 win fueled by a remarkable 60-metre Declan Rice’s run poured much-needed confidence into David Moyes’ outfit.Declan Rice’s 60-metre run and classy finishing boost West Ham UEL campaignThe mentioned tactician will also definitely fight his own personal battle against his former side, with whom he spent only 10 months, poorly replacing a legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.WEST HAM – MANCHESTER UNITED It was the third-shortest managerial stint in United history and the shortest in 82 years, despite calls from several respected ex-United players such as Denis Law and David Beckham calling for Moyes to be given more time at the club. At the time of his sacking, United were seventh in the EPL table, 13 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with four matches remaining, ensuring United won’t qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1995 and finish outside of the top three for the first time in Premier League history. Once upon a time… Moyes in the United’s dugout and Solskjaer as Cardiff City coach in 2014 (©Darren Staples – Reuters)Moyes had won five points from a possible 24 against Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal (the top four at the time of sacking). He was replaced in the interim by long-serving player Ryan Giggs and permanently by Louis van Gaal. PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 5FridayNewcastle – Leeds 1-1 (1-1)/Saint-Maximin 44′ – Raphinha 13’/SaturdayWolverhampton – Brentford 0-2 (0-2)/Toney 28, Mbeumo 34/Burnley – Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)/Odegaard 30/Liverpool Crystal Palace 3-0 (1-0)/Mane 43, Salah 78, Keita 89/Man.City – Southampton 0-0Norwich – Watford 1-3 (1-1)/Pukki 35 – Dennis 17, Sarr 63, 82/Aston Villa – Everton 3-0 (0-0)/Cash 66, Digne og 69, Bailey 75/Sunday16:00: (4.60) West Ham (3.70) Man.Utd. (1.85)16:00: (2.80) Brighton (2.90) Leicester (3.05)18:30: (5.20) Tottenham (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)
