Man United Vs West Ham: Valencia Sparkles As Red Devils Get Back On Track

Given their lacklustre display against Landon Donovan's Everton team over the weekend, Tuesday night's visit of West Ham to Old Trafford took on a new sense of importance.

However, it was to be the contribution—or lack of—from another American international that would prove key on a wintry night in Salford. A virtuoso display by Antonio Valencia against the hopelessly exposed Jonathan Spector handed two simple goals to Wayne Rooney, and Michael Owen's first league strike since the classic derby in September rounded off the scoreline. 

The return of Nemanja Vidic had been highlighted as crucial to Manchester United's run-in. Given the way Jonny Evans has been brutally exposed in the last week, first by Ronaldinho and then by Everton's effervescent youngsters, it had not come soon enough. Vidic was partnered by Wes Brown.

Manchester United set about their task in a positive mood. Indeed, in the very first minute, Rob Green came to meet an Antonio Valencia cross, and narrowly beat Dimitar Berbatov to the ball. Both men were committed to the full-blooded challenge, and Green spent a minute receiving treatment.

However, this failed to ignite the game, and barring a half chance that fell to Valencia after he ghosted in behind a sleeping Diamanti, the first 20 minutes were quiet.

The only incident of note was an injury to Anderson forcing him to be replaced by Park.

West Ham were not totally without threat.

After James Tomkins cut out a Wayne Rooney surge, West Ham broke with purpose and worked the ball out to the unmarked Behrami, who fired agonisingly wide of Ben Foster's right hand post from the inside right channel.

Almost immediately after, an Alessandro Diamanti shot took a huge deflection and closely outfoxed the scrambling Foster.

This spell served only to galvanise United. They almost took the lead in the 25th minute when Antonio Valencia turned Jonathan Spector and Diamanti inside out before firing at Rob Green.

The England keeper could only deflect the ball away, and Darron Gibson's follow up shot was flicked goalward by Berbatov. However, the ball lacked power and Green was able to make the save with his feet.

United obviously fancied Valencia against Spector, and seeked to isolate the two at every opportunity.

Another such duel set up Gibson for an effort from range, but the shot did not have the craft to match it's venom and was easily saved. The same could not be said for Gibson's next effort two minutes later, which was brilliantly touched round the post by Green.

United were growing by the minute, and it seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead. Their goal arrived duly in the 37th minute.

United broke through the midfield with Park, who fed Berbatov, peeling off Faubert 30 yards out in the left channel. The Bulgarian looked up and floated it out to Valencia. This time he elected not to take on Spector, instead volleying a superb cross onto the head of Rooney, who made no mistake from eight yards.

United almost doubled their lead five minutes later thanks to a piece of Rooney magic. With his back to goal, he flicked the ball up, stepped between two defenders, and unleashed a vicious dipping volley on the turn. Rob Green waved it goodbye, but to his relief he watched it slam into the roof of the net.

Half time came with Manchester United comfortable, but wary of the sporadic threat offered by West Ham.

Just as in the first half, United nearly took the lead immediately after the whistle.

Straight from kick-off the ball was worked into the box to the arriving Park. The Korean is not renowned for his goalscoring, and his first-time effort bounced away off the underside of the bar.

Jonathan Spector will see Antionio Valencia in his nightmares tonight.

After 51 minutes, Rooney found the Ecuadorian on the right wing. Spector, isolated again, could do nothing but watch the flying winger skip by, relying on Kovac to clear.

West Ham did not heed that warning, and three minutes later Valencia once again got behind Spector, this time running onto Berbatov's inch perfect pass inside the full-back. His delightful cross was converted once again by the head of Rooney from close range.

Manchester United were now rampant, and came close to grabbing a third—once though Scholes and twice through Rooney.

West Ham had not entirely given up either, however, and Diamanti's snap shot brought a smart save from Foster.

Rooney and Berbatov made way for Owen and Diouf with 13 minutes to go, and the switch was timed to perfection. Minutes later, Michael Owen latched onto a Scholes through ball and, in typical fashion, lifted the ball over the onrushing Green.

There was still time for Scholes to blaze a glorious chance to score his 100th Manchester United goal high over the bar, but it was job done for Manchester United.

However, they will be under no illusions that a much sterner test awaits them on Sunday, in the form of Aston Villa in the Carling Cup Final.

It was a successful return to action for Nemanja Vidic too, who's anonymity today exemplifies his astute defensive play. He snuffed out any West Ham threat before it could develop over the entire 90 minutes, and he looked ready to step back into the team week in and week out.

Man of the Match—Antonio Valencia

Manchester United's plan A was to isolate Spector against the pace of Valencia, and a sparkling performance from the winger ensured they didn't need a plan B.

Full of threat going forward, but not work-shy when called upon defensively, he made both of Wayne Rooney's goals with inch-perfect crosses.

More performances like this will surely number Nani's days.