West Ham 1 Manchester United 0

Hopefully with a sign of things to come Curbishley starts with a famous win over the league leaders.

Leaving the flair players, Tevez and Benayoun, on the bench signalled the new West Ham manager's intent of remaining solid and trying to deny the opposition goal scoring chances. And the tactic largely succeeded as, although Man Utd dominated possession, they hardly created more clear cut chances than West Ham.

In the first half honours were largely even, with two clear chances to each side. In fact whilst both Man Utd's efforts were two relatively hopeful long shots from Saha, both well saved by Green, Zamora should have scored for West Ham. Initially Zamora did well to out muscle Ferdinand but then, when clean through on goal, he shot straight at Van Der Sar from 6 yards.

In the second half Man Utd started to turn the screw a little more. They had a good chance to open the scoring when Saha put Ronaldo through on goal but his shot was superbly saved by Green low down to his left. Giggs also came close when the ball fell to him unmarked 6 yards out but his snap shot sailed over the bar.

Curbishley then brought on a bit of flair in Sheringham and Benayoun and they both played a part in creating the West Ham goal. Benayoun worked the ball to Sheringham on the right wing who then crossed low to Harewood in the box. Harewood did well on the touchline five yards from goal to turn and cross the ball low across the goalmouth where an onrushing Reo-Coker arrived to smash the ball home from 3 yards out.

West Ham on the way back!