The Red Devils are back at the top of the Premier League two points clear of challengers Liverpool and with a match in hand. The deadlock  was broken by a 64th minute Ryan Giggs goal that saw them overcome dogged West Ham at Upton Park on Sunday February 9.

West Ham gave United a difficult match and even attempted opening the scoreline themselves with a very powerful and ambitious Carlton Cole drive that was saved by Van der Sar. That was no mean task considering the visitors had not conceded a goal since November 8 last year but the Upton Park side twice went close in the early stages.

The match was an even affair with West Ham actually standing very well in the first half. Welshman Giggs cut in from the left and curled in a beautiful sublime ball which was enough to seal the match. A touch of class. 

The hosts pushed for a leveller but United stood firm to complete a 13th-straight clean sheet in the league.

The defeat at Upton Park spelled the end of West Ham's run of six consecutive league games without defeat. Regardless, given the stout performance against the defending champions, this should not affect the morale of the Hammers in the long run. They are in good form and they played well on Sunday.

West Ham will play Middlesbrough on Saturday, February 14 for the FA Cup Fifth Round at Upton Park at 5pm Bulgarian time, whereas Man United's next match is against Derby County also for the FA Cup, on February 15.

After the match for the BBC, United boss Alex Ferguson said: "I am searching my memory banks for the last time Ryan scored with his right foot. I always felt one goal would be enough. It was a fantastic performance from the back four. Ryan is a credit to the game and if anyone wants an example of how to dedicate themselves to football, you could have no greater example than Ryan Giggs."

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola told the club's official website:   "For me it has been a positive match. I know that we lost but we were playing against the best team in Europe, if not the world, and we just lost by one goal.

"I am happy for my team. It has been another step forward for us even though we lost the game. I am sure it won’t be easy for anybody else here. They just punished the only mistake we made. Our goalkeeper only made one save. When you can win games like this you are very strong."