Manchester United failed to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League after drawing with West Ham at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot scored the opener for Manchester United, but West Ham fired back through Soungoutou Magassa to steal a point away from home.
Ruben Amorim was forced to make changes from the win over Crystal Palace, especially in defence, because of an injury to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire’s continued absence. Matheus Cunha also made his return to the starting line-up.
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United had the chance to climb up to fifth in the Premier League table if they picked up all three points. However, another missed opportunity means the Red Devils sit eighth.
Ayden Heaven thrown into the mix
Before kick-off, Amorim issued a mysterious injury update, revealing that there were two United players who were doubtful to play.
The confirmed line-up against West Ham revealed that it was ever-present Matthijs de Ligt who suffered a knock and was unavailable.
Wes Brown is backing Ayden Heaven! Do you share his confidence?
“I think we’ve said it every time he’s played: he’s been excellent. He’s done his job and hasn’t looked out of place in any way.”
Wes Brown
Ayden Heaven, at just 19 years old, was given the nod by Amorim to step up and play at the heart of the back three.
However, he lasted only 45 minutes, picking up a yellow card up against Callum Wilson, and being replaced by Leny Yoro at half-time.
Diogo Dalot steps up after challenge
Much has been made of United’s wing-backs this season, with Diogo Dalot facing criticism for not contributing enough going forward.
Even Amorim challenged United’s wing-backs publicly, and Dalot responded with a strong performance at Old Trafford.
Not only did the 26-year-old score his first goal of the season, but he also helped to keep West Ham talisman Jarrod Bowen quiet down his flank.
Man United’s wait for a clean sheet continues
United’s last clean sheet came in the 2-0 win over Sunderland back at the start of October.
Senne Lammens is still yet to add to his tally at United after Magassa’s late goal at Old Trafford.
United were comfortable for most of the match but were frustratingly undone by a set piece.
Set-piece chasm backfires
Going into Thursday’s clash, United led the Premier League for most goals scored from set pieces, while no team had conceded more from set pieces than West Ham.
Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes deserves praise for United’s improvement in that area, but ironically, it was West Ham that capitalised from a dead-ball situation at Old Trafford.
United had threatened from corners of their own, but West Ham found their equaliser from a corner after failing to threaten Senne Lammens for much of the match.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka haunts Man Utd
United sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka for £15m to West Ham back in 2024, and the 28-year-old was impressive on his return to his former hunting ground.
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Fans at Old Trafford will be familiar with Wan-Bissaka’s unique ability to make last-ditch sliding tackles, and this time he frustrated the Red Devils with his defending.
He was, however, lucky to stay on the pitch in the second half after a lunging tackle on Patrick Dorgu went unpunished.
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