Reuters, Manchester
Manchester United stayed in a commanding position to finish in the Premier League top four after they ground out a 1-0 home win over West Ham United on Sunday thanks to a second-half own goal by central defender Craig Dawson.
The result left United second on 57 points from 29 games, 14 adrift of Manchester City who have played a game more, while West Ham stayed fifth on 48 points from 28 matches, three behind fourth-placed Chelsea on with a game in hand.
United were missing injured strikers Anthony Martial and EdinsonCavani plus long-term casualty Paul Pogba and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pleased with a gritty performance after Mason Greenwood hit the post twice for the hosts.
"We know West Ham are challenging to get in the top four so it was a big result and we kept a clean sheet again," Solskjaer told Sky Sports.
"As expected, they are always going to make it hard for you. We could have been more comfortable towards the end as we had a few decent chances to finish it off."
United will visit AC Milan in the return leg of their Europa league last-16 tie on Thursday after a 1-1 Old Trafford draw, followed by an FA Cup quarter-final clash at Leicester City next Sunday.
"Big week - Europa League and FA Cup - so we're looking forward to it. Hopefully get a few players back and put a good performance in," said the Norwegian.
West Ham boss David Moyes, returning to his old club where he has never won in 14 league visits, pointed out the London club's ambitions had grown after an impressive run of form.
"We are getting greedy now because we have enjoyed that feeling of winning. I don't enjoy coming here and losing 1-0 which shows how far we have come. I'm disappointed with it but it shows we are doing much better."
