Manchester United could count themselves highly unlucky to come away with zero points in a 2-1 loss to West Ham courtesy of missing chances and dubious referee calls.
The first half was a long tale of missed opportunities for Manchester United as nearly every player in the final third of the pitch took turns fluffing chances.
It started with Alejandro Garnacho hitting the post while being in acres of space and was headlined by Diogo Dalot shooting over an open goal.
Sandwiched between those two were Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and others all missing chances as West Ham were booed off at half-time, the score remarkably still 0-0.
United would live to rue those opportunities as half-time changes for West Ham put the game on equal footing and eventually they came into ascendancy.
Summerville left United in a heap with a goal in the 73rd minute to hand them a shock lead but one that United brought upon themselves by missing chances in the first half and then letting West Ham back in the second.
Ten Hag rolled the dice in response and sent on another attacker in Zirkzee and his off-target header was guided home by Casemiro to draw United level.
The game looked prime for a draw before West Ham were awarded a dubious penalty for De Ligt colliding with Ings in the box. Bowen scored to restore West Ham’s lead which they kept for three points.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 6
Quiet game as West Ham rarely threatened consistently or with any penetration outside of the goal. Every United fan was holding their breath after he took a knee to his head in the second half but he continued.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Horrendous fluff that would make the end-of-season embarrassing misses in the first half as he shot over in front of an open goal. Let Summerville free to tap in at the far post.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Struggled a bit against Summerville in the second half after a flawless first half. Conceded a penalty but not his fault because it wasn’t a “clear and obvious” penalty by any means.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Similar to De Ligt in that he was calm and composed while being assertive when it was needed. This partnership clicking is a big boost for United.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Started at left-back here and performed well with some last-ditch tackling and progression in attack. He has been a bonafide success among all summer signings.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
His set-piece quality is a great source of chances while the threat of him being overrun no longer rings true in a more secure setup. Continued fine form here.
Casemiro – 7.5
Nearly scored from Eriksen’s free-kick delivery at the stroke of half-time and fashioned a chance for Fernandes. Constantly probing and looking to pass forward. Poacher’s finish to draw United level.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Somewhat quieter by his recent lofty standards as the game was funneled through the left wing. Came off at the hour-mark for Amad.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a good chance created by Casemiro which was the theme of this game for United. Generally threatening and his long passes to set runners free was a crucial part of United’s buildup. A return to form for the captain.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
The go-to man for United to play the ball forward but his profligacy cost United here. Had two great chances in the first half alone and spurned both.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6.5
No clear-cut chance but did well on the few occasions the ball was played to him with his back to goal. Getting to grips with holding up in the Premier League now.
Substitutes
Amad – 6.5
Came on earlier than he did vs Fenerbahce and created some nice opportunities with his passing and dribbling.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Finally played with Hojlund instead of him and assisted Casemiro’s equaliser even though it looked like it was an off-target header instead of a pass.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Came on after Mazraoui appeared to pick up an injury. Saw through some nervous moments.
Manager
Erik ten Hag – 6
The scoreline will intensify the pressure on him but enough chances were created here to warrant a dominant win, let alone just three points. Can’t fault a system that creates so many chances when players just won’t finish any. That can’t be said for most games this season for which he is at fault, but not here. Wastefulness from his players plus some farcical refereeing shenanigans gave way to an undeserved defeat.
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