WEST Ham boss Alan Pardew was forced to admit his side had more than met their match after a 2-1 defeat at hom to Manchester United.
A first minute goal from Marlon Harewood couldn't inspire the Hammers to a famous victory against the Old Trafford giants.
But Pardew reckons his emerging squad will have gained from the experience.
"We feel we've faced a top team at the peak of their game," he said.
"They caused us more problems defensively than we have had all season but our two centre halves did well in the face of a real test."
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