Mark Noble admitted some relief after having a say in both of West Ham's goals in their 2-1 defeat of Manchester United.

"I missed a great chance," Noble recalled to whufc.com, after missing an open goal before Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front. "It hurt me not scoring but we needed to carry on the way we were going.

"We just needed to get around them and not let them play because they are the best in the country - them and Arsenal - at passing the ball, so we really got in and around them and spoilt the way they play. We really excelled ourselves."

Noble, with two second-half set-pieces, helped the Hammers score quickfire goals through Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson in the 76th and 81st minutes.

"It was nice for me to set up the two goals from a free-kick and a corner, so I ain't gonna be too harsh on myself for missing that chance!

"Merve (Mervyn Day) always says when I have come on in the last couple of games - 'you take the set-plays'. I took it upon myself to do that and thank God they were OK. We really cracked on and I am happy for Matty and Anton that they got their goals."