For once, Edwin van der Sar did not have all the statistical glory to himself. Ryan Giggs's winner made him the first player to score in every Premier League season since the competition's inception. The veteran will take more pride in an excellent goal that keeps Sir Alex Ferguson's side two points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand.
After 62 minutes, West Ham tried to break from a United corner but the move broke down and Paul Scholes whipped a pass to Giggs on the left. He cut across Carlton Cole and Scott Parker before planting a finish into the far corner of the net. West Ham could make little impact before or after that goal. This 13th successive clean sheet for Van der Sar in the League set a new British record.
The United method nowadays is to exhaust teams and then defeat them. There is such confidence in the passing that the oppositions' lungs burn as they chase after the ball that is often withheld from them. The gung-ho United of old were more likely to trade blows, but the adjustment in philosophy has made the side more effective in the Champions League as well as the domestic scene.
Sometimes, as was the case here, their display appeals more to coaches than spectators. Domination was carefully established, but United were not particularly incisive. It took a set-piece for the visitors in the 31st minute to kindle excitement. Giggs cut it back from the right and Cristiano Ronaldo redirected Scholes's shot. The West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green tipped the attempt behind.
Opponents now, must worry, with good cause, that they are merely delaying a United goal. West Ham did try to offer more than that, but openings were scarce. Wise as Van der Sar is, his collection of clean sheets has not required many spectacular interventions. When, with 13 minutes gone, Carlton Cole was released by Mark Noble, the striker attempted a fanciful chip despite the fact that the Dutchman was not very far from his line. The save was simple.
The uncapped Cole, who is in the squad for Wednesday's friendly with Spain, was among those being watched by the England manager, Fabio Capello. It is a stiff test, all the same, for any striker to make a good impression against United.
