Match Report: Man Utd - West Ham

Ruud van Nistelrooy marked his Manchester United recall in the best manner possible by netting the only goal to settle an otherwise drab encounter against West Ham. It was the Dutchman's 149th Red Devils strike, his 23rd of the season, which steered them to a seventh successive Barclays Premiership win and closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to nine points.

But, for Van Nistelrooy, the effort will have meant much, much more. On a night when three of Sir Alex Ferguson's famed 1999 treble-winning strikeforce were present - Teddy Sheringham on the pitch and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Dwight Yorke in the stands - the former PSV Eindhoven star proved he intends to be no makeweight in the modern-day quartet.

After preferring Saha to Van Nistelrooy ever since the French forward's shock inclusion for last month's Carling Cup win over Wigan, Ferguson justified maintaining the status quo by pointing to a succession of excellent results.

The dilemma now facing United's wily manager as he assesses the make-up of what constitutes his full-strength side was encapsulated during an opening period in which West Ham served notice of their own attributes without really testing Edwin van der Sar as much as they might.

With Saha leading their attack, United have been free-flowing, smooth and exciting. The Frenchman's link play and ability to hold the ball up generates a momentum Van Nistelrooy alone cannot create. It was certainly not solely the Dutchman's fault but for large periods, the hosts were ponderous and it took the lung-busting charges of Park Ji-Sung to bring them to life.

As it was, once the South Korean had hurdled Paul Konchesky's attempt to chop him down and reached the byline, Van Nistelrooy swept home in the clinical fashion United fans are so accustomed to. The goal was harsh on West Ham, who were the Red Devils' equals for long periods.

Had Dean Ashton turned home Lionel Scaloni's fierce drive inside the opening five minutes, the Hammers could have been looking at their third win in the north-west in 10 days.

As it was, United gradually emerged from their shell and, while not finding the fluidity of recent weeks, at least forced some sustained pressure, taking their cue from the departure of referee Graham Poll with a hamstring injury midway through the half.

Park was the inspiration. One of five changes to the side that defeated Birmingham on Sunday, the South Korean was at his energetic best and was a threat to the visitors every time he received possession.

Two of the other fresh faces impressed too. Much-maligned Darren Fletcher imposed himself much more than usual until his untimely departure with a foot injury midway through the second half.

Hislop was a largely hesitant figure in the visitors' goal, failing to deal cleanly with numerous crosses and shots but managing to survive each time.

He had no chance though with the shot Nemanja Vidic sent through a pack of bodies after controlling Park's corner, so he was pretty relieved to see it come thumping back off a post.

Having gained the advantage, United continued to push forward after half-time but seemed to lack conviction.

After lots of possession but no chances, Rooney eventually hit the crossbar with an acrobatic volley after Cristiano Ronaldo had crossed. Van Nistelrooy was onto the rebound in a flash but could do no better than land his overhead kick straight into Hislop's welcoming arms.

Saha was introduced for Ronaldo three minutes from time and might have scored as well had his curling shot not flicked off Daniel Gabbidon's back. However, this was Van Nistelrooy's night and he will not expect to be dropped again.