Who said What on West Ham's comeback win over Manchester United on Upton Park farewell
It was the last ever match to be played at the iconic Boleyn Ground, referred to as Upton park, and it was a thriller. West ham got an early lead through Diafro Sakho but a brace from young Anthony Martial looked to have sealed the three points for the Red Devils. But comeback goals from Michael Antonio and Winston Reid sealed a famous win for the Hammers.
This leaves the Old Trafford club two points adrift of their fierce city rivals Manchester City in the race for the last spot for Champions League qualification.
Although there was a lot of commotion pre-match when West Ham fans pelted the United bus on their entrance to the stadium, the match went on smoothly.
Here’s what the Manchester United contingent had to say about the match:
Manchester United manager Loius Van Gaal:
"What I have already said before the match, we give set plays away and they can score. We have a difficulty with set plays. We give too many fouls away near the 60 metres away and that was a problem.”
This means that Champions League qualification is not in their hands but Van Gaal didn't rule it completely out and believes it is still possible.
The Dutchman said, "It is the same story, we don't have it in our own hands but still it is possible, still we can catch Manchester City. We have to beat AFC Bournemouth, it's not easy because we have to cope with this disappointment. That's a mental blow.”
When asked if the pre-match attack on the team bus was the reason for his side’s defeat the 64-year-old said this.
"We live in this world. We know that. I know that it is not the first time it happens, but okay, I have a long experience in football, there are players that don't have the experience, so it shall have an influence," he said.
"But I don't think we should look for excuses. We changed the match in the second-half, 20 minutes before time, we are ahead, so I don't think you have to look for that excuse."
Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney:
Speaking prior to the match, Wayne Rooney was disappointed with what the West Ham fans had done on such an emotional day for them.
He said, "It wasn't nice. I'm sure you'll see the images. It's not for me to say, but it was disappointing of course.”
"It's a big night for West Ham, but I'm sure West Ham as a club will be disappointed with what the fans have done."
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick:
Michael Carrick was unhappy with the team’s performance. He said, "It's no good for us. We got ourselves back in the game and then didn't really help ourselves with giving away free-kicks. We have to be cleverer than that.”
Asked about Anthony Martial’s performance Carrick said, “He was terrific once again. He’s a real threat, isn't he? He’s had a terrific season.”
Here’s what the West Ham contingent had to say:
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic:
The Hammers manager hailed his side’s fairytale display saying it was like a ‘finale’ of a movie.
"It ticked all the boxes.”
"If you wanted to make a movie about this great stadium and about the last game then you would have all the boxes - a great opponent, late game, five goals, a thriller. All the boxes for a blockbuster,” he said.
West Ham winger Michail Antonio:
Goalscorer Antonio was ecstatic with the win saying it was the perfect farewell for the legendary Boleyn Ground.
He said, “What a day and what a way to finish at the Boleyn Ground. It was just one of those games where we came out on top.”
West Ham club statement:
The club itself released a statement thanking the fans for their support as well as warning that there will be strict action towards the ones who didn't behave properly prior to the game.
"It was an extraordinary night full of extraordinary moments in front of extraordinary fans. 99 percent of whom behaved impeccably and were a credit to the Club.
"However, we are aware that there were some supporters outside the Boleyn Ground who didn't act in an appropriate way when the Manchester United team bus was damaged. That was not acceptable and we will work with the police to identify those responsible and ban them for life."