The match will probably be remembered for the furore over Jose Mourinho's sending off, but West Ham supporters will see Sunday's game as an unexpected point in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Diafra Sakho scored in only the second minute and although Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised 19 minutes later, the Hammers dug deep and defended valiantly.
West Ham were inevitably forced to play deep with minimum possession, but this seemed to suit the back three, who rode their luck and provided the springboard for the midfield to break with some purpose. In the closing minutes a mazy run by substitute Ashley Fletcher could have even provided an unlikely win.
West Ham will take a lot of positives from the match and may even fancy their chances of frustrating the home side further when they return in midweek for the EFL Cup game.
Positives
If the flair isn't there, supporters at least want to see their heroes work hard and give all they have. Nobody can say the Hammers' didn't give their all over the 90+ minutes and there seemed little fallout from last week's disappointment against Spurs.
Negatives
After going ahead early, the team seemed a bit fazed, allowing Manchester United back in the match before Slaven Bilic re-organised things at half-time.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Bilic did well in organising the team defensively. There's no doubt the players are prepared to work for their manager.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Darren Randolph, 9 -- West Ham's No. 2? Not on this showing. Superb saves throughout and Adrian will be concerned about regaining his place after this. It will be interesting to see if the Spaniard becomes the "cup keeper" when the Hammers return to Old Trafford on Wednesday.
DF Cheikhou Kouyate, 7 -- Kouyate performed manfully at the back but wasn't afraid to break out when needed. Made a vital clearance from the feet of Ibrahimovic after the Manchester striker had got beyond Randolph, following a poor header by James Collins.
DF James Collins, 6 -- In for the suspended Winston Reid, Collins rarely lets his side down and he blocked and obstructed with the rest of the defence. Several clearing headers were vital as Manchester pushed in the first half, although he could have given the game away with that back-pass.
DF Angelo Ogbonna, 7 -- The Italian literally threw himself into several important challenges; one just before the break from Ibrahimovic saved a certain goal.
MF Michail Antonio, 7 -- Was able to get forward on occasion and did well in helping to keep Manchester's forwards relatively quiet.
MF Pedro Obiang, 6 -- The word industrious in the dictionary probably has a photo of Obiang beneath it.
MF Mark Noble, 7 -- Back from suspension and turned in the usual captain's performance. Was involved in the Paul Pogba incident that saw Mourinho sent to the stand; Noble never touched the French international and the Portuguese manager's ire was misplaced.
MF Aaron Cresswell, 6 -- Defended well and broke quickly when the opportunity arose.
MF Manuel Lanzini, 6 -- Still hasn't recaptured the form of last season with the ball, but works hard without it and is still a vital part of the team.
MF Dimitri Payet, 8 -- Provided the second-minute cross for Sakho's goal and showed his quality throughout
FW Diafra Sakho, 7 -- Scored with a strong header and looked the Premier League striker he undoubtedly is. An apology from his manager and tell him he is a starter when he is fit and all will be better. Sakho was replaced by Fletcher as he tired after 66 minutes.
Substitutes
FW Andre Ayew, N/R -- A substitute for Lanzini on 74 minutes, but the fresh legs were really required at the back.
FW Ashley Fletcher, 6 -- Must have enjoyed coming on against his old club and had a good chance late on that David De Gea blocked well.
MF Sofiane Feghouli, N/R -- Replaced Payet at the end of 90 minutes to waste time. Says it all.