Yet more points were dropped at Old Trafford last night as Manchester United failed to capitalise on the lead they had taken against West Ham. Despite showing plenty of attacking intent, the Hammers were to hit back to see us share the spoils. Coming off the back of our 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace last Sunday, nothing more than three points at home would satisfy the Old Trafford faithful as the struggling visitors paid a visit. However, it was not to be for the Reds as our long-standing issue came back to bite us again, losing our lead to the underdogs.
Dominant in Possesion but lacked cutting edge
The opening minutes saw United dominate possession, putting together passes as they came in and out of the opposition box. West Ham were being resolute in their defending, ensuring it would not be easy for us. The Hammers were the first to threaten on goal as former Red Aaron Wan-Bissaka broke free down the right flank before finding Mateus Fernandes on the edge of the box, though his attempt on goal was blocked by Casemiro to go out for the corner.
With Matthijs De Ligt out injured, this saw Ayden Heaven step into the centre of the back three, with him picking up a yellow card for his rash challenge of Jarrod Bowen. West Ham started to grow more into the game and found themselves opportunities on Senne Lammens’ goal and through several corners.
United came close to scoring in the 28th minute as Amad dribbled the ball through into the opposition box, with his pass meeting Joshua Zirkzee’s knee to then be cleared off the line. Bruno Fernandes, who got to the rebound, saw his shot go inches wide of the left post. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo then combined together with their passes to break inside the box. The latter laid the ball off to Amad, whose cross was inches away from his teammates, who moved inside the opposition box.
West Ham still showed their threat with a rare counter-attack, with Jarrod Bowen getting past three players, but Lammens claimed his weak effort on goal. With a minute added on at the end of the first half, Ayden Heaven had to clear the danger as Thomas Soucek had got inside the box, threatening our backline.
The referee blew the whistle for half time in what was a frustrating watch for the United fans. Despite the dominance shown with the ball and with no goals, the Reds had not really got into any gear.
Complacency by United After going in front
As the teams came back out for the second half, Leny Yoro entered the pitch, replacing Heaven, who had been booked early on, with Amorim not wanting to take unnecessary risks. United were pushing into the final third, and we would get our reward in the 58th minute. Casemiro had taken a shot of his own on goal, with the resulting rebound falling to Diogo Dalot in the box, who expertly controlled it before putting his effort past the keeper as fans erupted inside the Theatre of Dreams.
Even with a 1-0 lead, United continued their pursuit of a second goal. As the game opened up more, the Reds found themselves with more space. In the 73rd minute, Mbeumo got into the box, taking the ball past Jean-Clair Todibo, only to fall to the ground when Todibo had stuck his leg out. The United players and fans protested, but the referee waved away any calls for a penalty to be awarded.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Amorim made a double switch. Cunha and Zirkzee were replaced by Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte. United were to be punished for not getting that second goal as West Ham levelled the game through a corner scored by Soungoutou Magassa.
United had become too relaxed holding onto their 1-0 lead, which offered the opportunity for the Hammers to come back into the game. It is like the players keep forgetting that a one-goal is no longer enough in the competitive nature that is the Premier League.
With five minutes added on at the end of the game, Bruno Fernandes came onto a cross in the box but ballooned his effort over the bar as the Reds had hit the panic button. It was frustrating as the full-time whistle blew with boos ringing out inside Old Trafford. United have got to start taking their chances in future games if we are to head back up the table.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Senne Lammens – 6. Did not have much to do but could have shown more authority in the corner that led to West Ham’s equaliser.
Nousssair Mazaroui – 7. A solid performance by the defender. Made a case for starting at right centre-back in the future. Quick to react to stop any danger. Cleared the ball off the line before Magassa scored.
Ayden Heaven – 5. Given a tough time in his first Premier League start of the season. Made a late tackle on Jarrod Bowen that saw him booked early on. The right decision by Amorim to hook him off at half time to avoid further risk of getting sent off.
Luke Shaw – 7. A strong defensive display showing his experience throughout the game.
Diogo Dalot – 6. Did not ask too many questions of the opposition on his weaker left side, but popped in the right place to give us the lead.
Casemiro – 6. Had given West Ham too much time and space in the midfield. Played a part in Dalot’s goal with his effort deflected towards him.
Bruno Fernandes – 6. Struggled to provide the spark that United needed against a team not in good form. Shank his effort over the bar in added-on time that could have given United the win.
Amad Diallo – 7 & MOTM. A constant threat throughout and there was a good understanding between him, Mbeumo and Mazaroui.
Matheus Cunha – 6. Was not able to have much influence, having only just returned from injury.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6. Linked up well with Amad but did not have many openings to find the goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5. Came close to scoring but other than that, he did not create any other promising attacking moves
Subs:
Leny Yoro – 6. Providing more stability within the defence after replacing Heaven for the second half.
Patrick Dorgu – 6. Brought more energy but lacked accuracy when he got down the wing.
Mason Mount – 5. Was not able to improve United whilst on the pitch.
Manuel Ugarte – 5. Could not impose himself on West Ham when he came on.
Lisandro Martinez – n/a. Only got two minutes at the end of the game as United chased the winning goal.
Looking ahead
Monday night sees United travel down to the West Midlands to take on bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have yet to win a Premier League game so far this season. The Reds do not want to be side that becomes their first victory of the campaign. We need to start building some form to see ourselves get back up in the table.