Manchester United 1 – 1 West Ham

Manchester United once again found themselves behind at home as Sungtu Magassa’s late goal drew them 1-1 with West Ham at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot’s smart goal in the closing stages looked set to earn Ruben Amorim’s side the three points that would move them into fifth place, but United were denied a point by Magassa’s sublime finish to deny West Ham a point.

United lost at home to 10-man Everton in their last home game, moving them above Liverpool into eighth place, but it was a missed opportunity. Nuno Espirito Santo picked up the point and his team are still in the bottom three, but two more points are safe.

West Ham, who have picked up eight points from their last five games under Nuno, showed some attacking intent in the first 30 minutes, with Casemiro forced to slide to save Matheus Fernandes’ low shot. But then United pressed on.

Alphonse Areola tipped over Brian Mbeumo’s cross, Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared Joshua Zirkzee’s line and Bruno Fernandes’ follow-up shot went just off the post. United ended the first half with a season-high 25 touches inside the opposition box.

Aiden Haven, making his first start since the debacle against Grimsby, was booked early and retired at half-time, but the United manager naturally maintained his 3-4-3 structure. And it was his left wing-back who took the lead.

The ball entered the box unmarked, fell gently to Dalot, and the Portuguese defender smashed it into the net, elevating the atmosphere at Old Trafford. However, the fact that they were not able to take advantage of it highlighted why Amorim’s team continues to falter.

Andy Irving swung away a corner with his first touch, Jarrod Bowen flicked on past Fernandes and Nousser Mazraoui cleared off his line, but Magassa tipped the rebound home. West Ham could have even taken the winning goal.

That would give them a boost, but they don’t look like the team facing relegation in the spring under Nuno. It is less clear where Amorim’s United stand. There is also a possibility of qualifying for the Champions League. But not with this sloppiness.

Keane: ‘United defended like a pub team’

Former Man United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports:

“If you sum up the last three or four games, it’s still not good enough.

“Where is the frustration with this group of players? I’ve been watching the game carefully. It’s the lack of quality and intensity. They scored two goals against Palace, but they defended like a pub team.”

“If I praise United before the game tonight, United will be fifth. This team is not ready for fifth place. They are fifth in the league!”

“Next up is Wolves. They’re one of the worst teams I’ve seen in the Premier League. Let’s take a look.”

“I don’t understand how the players and managers don’t feel that. That there could be a twist. They have to do better than that.”

Amorim: We were in control of the match

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim told Sky Sports.

We had some good moments, but after the goal we lost a little bit of control.

“The game should have ended when we scored the first goal.

“We knew we controlled the game. Any set-piece can be a problem. After the goal, we couldn’t keep the ball.”

“We were losing the second ball, running with the ball and they were stealing the first ball. We can control games like that. We should be able to handle the ball more after the first goal.”

“Sometimes the players in the box didn’t have enough character.”

Nuno: That’s important, we’re proud

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports.

“It’s important because this is a difficult place. I’m proud that we achieved something. Three (points) could have been better.

“We are looking for better performance and trying to increase the urgency with results.”

“I thought we caused a lot of problems for Man United during the game, especially throughout the second half.”

The story of the game in terms of statistics…

What will happen in the Premier League?