How Moyes’ resurgent midfield proved they can still salvage Manchester United’s sorry season

For Manchester United fans, the win over West Ham on Saturday felt like the heady days of April this year. Having lost their last two home games and facing a defensively disciplined Sam Allardyce side buoyed by their midweek victory at Tottenham, there was a very real fear that United might be in for another difficult afternoon.

Instead, inspired by the youthful exuberance of Adnan Januzaj and scintillating wing play throughout, the champions produced their most assured home performance of the season and ended up 3-1 victors, a scoreline that flattered West Ham more than the hosts given they managed just one shot in the entire 90 minutes.

Januzaj, a player named in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final squad but never introduced, is fast becoming David Moyes’ key man. On Saturday, once again, he was integral to everything that was good about his team’s forward play. He completed 25 of his 28 passes and, barring a disappointing dive that earned him a booking, was impressive throughout. His goal, moments after the yellow card, displayed the composure, technique and quick feet that have left many pundits suggesting he is the most complete player of his age seen on these shores in many a year. If he applies himself correctly then there is no telling quite how far the young Belgian might go.

Tom Cleverley, not quite such a naturally gifted footballer, produced a third good performance in a row and is starting to remind supporters why they were excited by his early appearances for the club in the first place. Too often in recent times he has been careless in possession yet on Saturday quite the opposite was true. He managed to complete 54 of his 55 passes, a remarkable 98% completion rate. It is essential Cleverley can maintain this run of form over the Christmas period and prevents his team from being overrun in midfield as easily as they have been on various occasions this season.

Historically United have always been at their most potent when attacking from the wings but this has not been a common feature of the Moyes era until recently. Against West Ham, much like versus Aston Villa a week earlier, Antonio Valenciawas recognisable as the player of two years ago, taking on defenders and whipping balls into the box with speed. Similarly, Ashley Young, so often the fall guy in recent times (both literally and metaphorically) scored with his first touch, his second goal in a week. If the midfield can continue to overachieve, as was so under the case under Ferguson, United’s season is still salvageable.