Hammers’ Fletcher impresses Ogbonna on Old Trafford return

Diafra Sakho took just two minutes to score for West Ham in his second appearance of the season but it was Ashley Fletcher who caught defender Angelo Ogbonna’s eye.

Fletcher, who left Manchester United last summer to join the Hammers, came off the bench in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Sakho scored in just the second minute to give the Hammers the lead but Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised for the home side after 21 minutes.

The point moves Slavan Bilic’s side a point above the relegation zone and Ogbonna believes both Fletcher and Sakho will be vital for his side going forward.

“For us, [Sakho’s] so important,” he said. “He’s a good player and a good man and he’s important for the team. But it wasn’t just him, but a lot of players.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“Fletcher came on and was brilliant as well. We need to get our confidence back sometimes, but this is a good way to get it back.

“He got chances and maybe if he puts the ball in for us then today I’m talking about three points.  But it’s okay – he’s still young and he is a good player.

“He can keep the ball and run in behind and he’s very good for us that we have a good lot of young players who can improve and help the team and we have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard and take it step-by-step.”