Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decisions in midweek were rightly questioned as Manchester United were beaten by Young Boys.
There were as many as five decisions Solskjaer got badly wrong in that game, but in this one, the Manchester United boss’ decisions all paid off.
Solskjaer had a number of calls to make against West Ham and he nailed them.
The United boss deserves major credit for the way this victory worked out and his role in it.
McTominay return
The cautious move would have been to bring Scott McTominay back for the Carabao Cup game and ease him back to action.
Solskjaer recognised United would need McTominay’s energy up against Declan Rice and it was a decision which paid off.
McTominay was everywhere and was unlucky not to have an assist in the first half when Ronaldo wasted his excellent through ball.
Solskjaer reunited McTominay with Fred in midfield and while the Brazilian had a poor game, the partnership worked well enough to see United through to the game’s end before he made a change.
It was the right decision to bring McTominay back in and he can get a rest in midweek.
Lingard sent on
Some managers would have thrown Jesse Lingard in the doghouse after his disastrous backpass in midweek.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued to trust Lingard and he was rewarded for it. This time Lingard replaced Paul Pogba rather than Ronaldo and it was a bold call which paid off.
Lingard scored a sensational winner in the 88th minute, curling the ball into the top corner.
Solskjaer knew how keen Lingard would have been to make up for midweek, and impress against the Hammers. He did exactly that, deciding the game positively.
Late Matic change
Nemanja Matic was a 87th minute substitute for Fred. It was a change which probably should have been made even earlier, but better late than never.
Matic was forward-thinking in his play, and played the pass into Lingard for the winner.
To see two of Solskjaer’s substitutes combine to score the winning goal was the perfect ending to a tough week, and it proved he does know what he is doing.
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