By Chris
December 18 2012

Robin van Persie scored after only 32 seconds as Manchester United made it four home league wins on the bounce with a 1-0 win over West Ham. Sir Alex Ferguson, however, will have been disappointed with his team's performance as a resilient Hammers side proved stubborn opposition.

Michael Carrick found van Persie and the Dutchman bagged his twelfth United goal of the season with a deflected chip to the delight of the home supporters. It is the fastest Premier League goal of the campaign to date with little over half-a-minute on the clock. 

United struggled to build on their opening goal - though the Hammers have Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank for good saves from Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney.

Whilst the visitors showed great determination and frustrated United for long periods, they lacked the necessary spark in attack. Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole had two of their better chances - but Sam Allardyce's men could not find an equaliser.

The result leaves United one point ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with Chelsea trailing the Red Devils by six points in third position. 

This was not vintage United - but van Persie's early strike proved enough.  

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
Attendance - 75,572