Rice the star as Hammers miss out in Germany

Werder Bremen 1 Irons 0

The Irons slumped to their first defeat of pre-season in Germany but the real story of the night was the emergence of a new young star in the shape of Declan Rice.

Despite a lack lustre first half in which the Germans took the lead through Eggestein, the seven young Hammers included by manager Slaven Bilic performed well with Rice looking a defender to die for.

Nathan Holland  on the right wing looked a class act and as always comfortable but it was the young Irishman who warmed the heart with some brilliant interventions and always composed approach to things.

And Bilic decided that despite drafting in Jose Fonte along with six other first teamers in the seocnd half to let the No 15 stay on for the 90 minutes.

The boy took his chance in immaculate style, walked away with the ClaretandHugh man of the match award and should he maintain this form will put the pressure on the boss to start him at Manchester United.

There was no sign of Joe Hart as Adrian stayed on throughout and made one incredible double save to keep the score down to the 1-0

Zabaleta was outstanding on the right side and Masuaku was superb on the left whilst we got our first look at record signing Arnautovic  who was dangerous on the ball but there’s clearly a lot more to come.

Ok, disappointing to lose but the boys looked much fitter in that second half than at the same stage last season and it will be fascinating to see what sort of team Slav puts out for the return tomorrow afternoon.

Irons: Adrian, Byram (Zabaleta 60), Burke (Arnautovic 60), Collins (Fonte 60), Cresswell (Masuaku 60), Rice, Noble © (Obiang 34), Cullen (Fernandes 60), Holland (Snodgrass 60), Makasi, Martinez (Ayew 60)
Subs not used: Hart (GK), Ogbonna