Winston Reid nets winner for West Ham United in their final game at Upton Park

Winston Reid has ensured a place in West Ham folklore, scoring the final goal at their Upton Park home to give them a 3-2 win over Manchester United on Wednesday morning (NZT).

The All Whites skipper's 81st minute header ensured the Hammers and their fans had something to celebrate as they bid farewell to Upton Park - which is also known as the Boleyn Ground - ahead of their move to London's Olympic Stadium next season.

The New Zealander's goal was his first in 55 appearances, ending a barren run that stretched back to September 2014, and giving his side their 16th win of the season - moving them up to sixth with one round remaining in the English Premier League season.

Winston Reid leaps high into the air in celebration after scoring the winner for West Ham in their final game at Upton Park. Winston Reid leaps high into the air in celebration after scoring the winner for West Ham in their final game at Upton Park.

It was always going to be an emotional farewell but the occasion turned sinister before the game had even started when Manchester United's bus was attacked on its way into the ground - delaying the team's arrival and thus the kick-off.

When play did get under way, 45 minutes later than scheduled, it was West Ham who struck first, going ahead through Diafra Sakho in the 10th minute.

Winston Reid (left) scores West Ham's winner.

However, United hit back in the second half as starlet Anthony Martial struck twice - in the 51st and 72nd minute - to turn the result on its head.

West Ham weren't going to let their night be spoiled, however, and continued to fight, drawing level when Michail Antonio headed home a cross from Dimitri Payet in the 76th minute.

The equaliser sent the crowd into a frenzy that only grew when Reid put them in front five minutes later - ensuring they would have happy memories of the historic ground's final encounter.

Upton Park erupts as Winston Reid nets the winner in their 3-2 victory over Manchester United.

The streets of East London had been crowded from early afternoon as the West Ham faithful gathered ahead of the game, which was the 2,398th to be played at Upton Park -112 years after the first.

Inside the ground before kick-off, famous players and supporters, including England footballer Teddy Sheringham and actress Keira Knightley paid tribute; a list of deceased West Ham players to be remembered was displayed, with applause reaching a peak when Bobby Moore's name was shown, and there was a stirring rendition of the club's anthem, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles.

Those events contrasted starkly with those outside the stadium, where Manchester United's bus was pelted by bottles, breaking its tinted glass.

The game held importance for both sides, with Manchester United still holding an outside chance of clinching place in next season's Champions League, and West Ham United still looking to secure a spot in the Europa League.

Reid's goal certainly helped them with that, but it also meant so much more.