Late Hammers down Man Utd

West Ham scored twice in five minutes to defeat Man Utd 2-1 at Upton Park. Cristiano Ronaldo had given United an early lead, and the Portuguese winger had an opportunity to double the lead from the penalty spot, but missed.

United were in early trouble at Upton Park as Hayden Mullins hit the visitors’ crossbar and Mark Noble somehow sidefooted over from the rebound, but Ronaldo put Alex Ferguson’s side ahead in the 14th minute.

The Portugal winger headed in at the near post from Ryan Giggs’ cross following a fine counter-attack started by striker Carlos Tevez, whose goals last season helped West Ham avoid relegation.

Nolberto Solano was denied from 25 yards by United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and Carlton Cole headed over before Ronaldo dragged a good chance wide.

West Ham lost Solano and fellow midfielder Scott Parker to injury in the second spell, then Ronaldo blazed wide from the spot in the 66th minute after American center-back Jonathan Spector handled in the box.

Anton Ferdinand headed home in the 77th minute to level the score line before Matthew Upson powered another lethal header in the 82nd minute to seal a precious victory.