Declan Rice on West Ham victory over Man Utd: ‘The lads gave absolutely everything and it was a thoroughly deserved win’

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice believes they deserved their 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United today.

The Hammers took the lead through Said Benrahma after 27 minutes. His tame shot trickled past a hapless David De Gea.

It was another howler from the Spanish goalkeeper – his fourth error leading to a goal in the Premier League this season.

West Ham held on for a massive three points at the London Stadium.

Their captain was at the centre of a brilliant performance. He won seven of his nine duels and recovered the ball 13 times.

The 24-year-old made and won two tackles and recorded 100% when attempting dribbles.

The England international was part of many players who deserved plaudits for their showing against Man United. He hailed their performance as a positive one.

Rice said (via West Ham’s official website): “It is massive. The points it puts us on now put a nice gap between us and the teams at the bottom.

“There’s still three to go, but the significance of the three points is massive. 

“We had our eye on this game as one we could win in front of the home fans. Tonight, the lads gave absolutely everything, and it was a thoroughly deserved win.

“As players, you can’t help to look around you. To win this one was big, to give ourselves a gap between ourselves and the bottom. Mathematically, you still need 40.

“We have got our [UEFA Europa Conference League] semi-final [first leg against AZ Alkmaar] on Thursday, and then we go to Brentford, so we want to finish on a high.”

Rice admitted West Ham got a bit of luck with the goal. Benhrama’s effort was barely a shot but crept in beyond the goalkeeper.

“Sometimes things go for you in football. – today it was one of those things,” Rice added.

“But I think that’s our best performance at home this season. We were on the front foot and were aggressive in our 1v1s and on the ball. Everything today was a real positive performance.”

The Hammers are now seven points clear of the relegation zone. They have given themselves some breathing space.

They have not secured the standard 40 points for survival but will now focus on their Europa Conference League clash with Alkmaar.

The Hammers are chasing their first trophy since 1980, when they won the FA Cup via Trevor Brooking’s goal.