Manchester United climb into sixth place with 3-0 West Ham win

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho netted twice after Rasmus Hojlund scored on his 21st birthday as the Old Trafford side beat West Ham United 3-0 to climb above the visitors into sixth place in the Premier League on Sunday (Feb 4).

On the heels of a 4-3 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, Erik ten Hag's team now have 38 points after 23 games, eight adrift of fourth spot. The Hammers are seventh with 36.

"I have said it before in the last couple of months the future for Manchester United is very bright," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "We have some real high potential, we can play fluid football, speed it up as we need and defend well.

"The goals today showed young players with high potential. Every game they are growing and improving and adapting to a higher level. When they enjoy their football the confidence comes and you can see the belief is growing."

Hojlund scored in the 23rd minute when Casemiro prodded the ball forward after West Ham failed to clear a high ball. The Dane knocked the ball past a couple of defenders before firing home from the centre of the box into the bottom corner.

"It was very good. It's always special to play on your birthday but today of course with the win, yeah," Hojlund said.

"A month ago there was a lot of talk about us (Hojlund and Garnacho) not scoring enough goals but we are both young and growing every day. You can see the connection between us."

Hojlund, who did not score his first league goal until Dec 26, became the youngest player in the Old Trafford team's history to score in four consecutive Premier League appearances.

19 year old Garnacho doubled the lead in the 49th after his shot from the corner of the box took a big deflection to send substitute