Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United

Well, Manchester United won. Good thing, too, because anything less than three points would’ve seen them cut adrift in the top four race.

Never mind that West Ham probably deserved to win — at this stage of the season, points matter a whole lot more than performances. Still, getting worked at home by mid-table opposition is hardly ideal prep for Barcelona.

David De Gea: 7

Several great saves, but none better than clawing away Michail Antonio’s header in the second half. His wayward throw launched West Ham’s attack for the equalizer.

Diogo Dalot: 5

Back at home on the right, but not his strongest performance. Dalot played Felipe Anderson onside for the would-be opener, only to be saved by an errant flag. Thankfully, there’s no VAR in the Premier League yet.

Phil Jones: 7

Solid. Plus, he ended the match covered in his own blood — just like a tough-nosed defender should. A vital clearance in front of goal probably saved a goal.

Chris Smalling: 6

A step late to challenge Antonio on his header. Other than that, Smalling held his own at the back.

Marcos Rojo: 5

Understandably rusty. Rojo looked better pushing forward than defending, even winning back the ball that led to Pogba’s first penalty. On the downside, he lost Felipe Anderson for the equalizer.

Fred: 7

Another good display. Paired well with Pogba at the base of midfield and kept the ball moving. Fred struggled to match the intensity of Declan Rice in the second half.

Paul Pogba: 7

A deeper position — much like his role with France — brought out Pogba’s best performance in weeks. Scored his sixth and seventh penalties of the season to snap a long goal drought. And a bonus point for abandoning that stutter-step penalty run-up.

Jesse Lingard: 5

Struggling to get back up to speed after his hamstring injury. Quiet today, but did put a good ball across goal in the first half. Unfortunately, no one was there for the tap-in.

Romelu Lukaku: 5

Spent a surprising amount of time out wide, though he did deliver some nice passes and crosses from out there. That’s a nice facet of his game, but Lukaku’s paid to score goals and he needs to be in the box to do that.

Juan Mata: 4

Drew a first-half penalty, but mostly just for standing there as Robert Snodgrass plowed him over. Lasted less than an hour — and even that was too long.

Anthony Martial: 5

A few dangerous moments — including the late penalty — but not his best day. Unfortunately, that’s becoming a trend.

Marcus Rashford (Sub, 55’): 7

Impacted the game from his first moment on the pitch. Forced a good save on a snap shot across goal.

Andreas Pereira (Sub, 75’): 6

Not as influential as the Barca match, but Pereira helped United push forward while chasing the winner.

Mason Greenwood (Sub, 75’): 6

An Old Trafford debut to remember.