De Gea lifts lid on confusion before match-winning penalty save for Man Utd

David de Gea was surprised to see Mark Noble take the ball off Declan Rice before missing a crucial penalty in Manchester United's clash with West Ham.

The Irons were awarded the spot kick as they trailed 2-1 in added time after Luke Shaw was judged to have handled a cross.

West Ham boss David Moyes chose to substitute on Noble and the club captain stepped up to take the penalty with his first touch of the game.

But to the dismay of the London Stadium faithful, Noble's effort to De Gea's left was saved and West Ham missed out on a point.

David de Gea dove to his left and pushed away Mark Noble's penalty

"I saw Rice with the ball I was expecting him to take the penalty," the Spanish goalkeeper told Sky Sports after the match.

"Then I see Noble with the ball was the last minute of the game and I made the save. Great goal from Jesse (Lingard) and a massive three points for us."

Quizzed on what was going through his head as Noble readied himself to take the penalty, De Gea responded: "Save the ball, save the penalty and help the team to win. It's always difficult to play here so I'm really happy."

The Red Devils took the lead in the 89th minute as substitute Jesse Lingard rifled into the top corner, while Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Said Benrahma's opener in the first half.

Lingard was delighted to win three points for his team after his costly error on Tuesday saw United defeated 2-1 by Young Boys in their opening Champions League game.

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"[I'm] Over the moon," said the England international. "[I] Got a brilliant reception when I came on, I had a good time at West Ham but [I've] got to move on with Man United and do my best for United.

"As I said I've been working hard and to overcome last week wasn't easy but to get minutes and score is brilliant."

Addressing his underhit backpass against Young Boys, Lingard added: "Mistakes happen in football and that's one of the only mistakes I've made my career in football.

"But you've got to overcome them, things happen and bounce back."

There was some controversy over whether West Ham should have been awarded a penalty, but Micah Richards is sure the right decision was made.

"When I seen the body unnaturally bigger it's unfortunate for Shaw, it's a difficult position, you know the rules was a clear penalty," said Richards.

"When that happened was it destiny for West Ham to get a draw in the game. I've played with Noble he's cool, calm and comfortable."