Balbuena: Our fans give us a great boost

Fabian Balbuena

Fabian Balbuena paid tribute to the Claret and Blue Army after they helped roar West Ham United to their 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

Balbuena shone alongside Issa Diop in the heart of the Hammers defence, as they overpowered Jose Mourinho’s men with goals from Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic sandwiching Victor Lindelof’s own goal.

At the other end, West Ham did a good job of shackling the Red Devils’ attacking talent as they extended their Premier League unbeaten run to three games and secured a second win of the season in the process.

Balbuena has praise for everyone involved, from the eleven on the pitch to the 54,000 Hammers in the crowd, saying the victory was reward for a real team effort.

He explained: “Always, as in every game we play at home, our fans are awesome and it is a great boost for us when we play at home. We have to give back that love and support on the pitch with good results.

I think the team did things well, had a lot of attitude, and a lot of temperament playing at home with our people and we got a very good result against a great team.

“The early goal opened the game more, and allowed us to play more calmly as well, so that we had more space as they had to push forward a little more. And I think it was a great performance from all the boys and we need to continue like this.

“The manager congratulated us for the effort, for what we showed on the pitch and told us that was the way. We know that haven't won anything more than a great match against a great rival. But we have a long way to go, many things to improve, but of course we are gaining in confidence and therefore we can work more calmly."