Image source: ichef.bbci.co.uk
Manchester United’s inconsistent form continued as they surrendered a second-half lead to draw 1-1 with struggling West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, with Soungoutou Magassa’s 83rd-minute equaliser cancelling out Diogo Dalot’s opener and leaving manager Ruben Amorim visibly frustrated with his team’s inability to close out matches.
United Drop Points Again as West Ham Snatch Late Equaliser at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s failure to secure three points against West Ham epitomised their season-long struggles with game management, as the hosts squandered another opportunity to climb the Premier League table.
Dalot had given United a deserved second-half advantage before Magassa pounced on a rebound from Noussair Mazraoui’s goal-line clearance to score his first English goal and earn the Hammers a valuable point.
The equaliser came from a West Ham corner in the 83rd minute, with Jarrod Bowen’s flicked header initially cleared off the line by Mazraoui before Magassa reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball.
Amorim’s frustration was evident as his side failed to defend the set-piece adequately, allowing the visitors’ superior height advantage to prove decisive in the closing stages of the match.
United’s inability to hold leads has become a concerning pattern under Amorim, with similar collapses occurring against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and Everton in recent weeks.
The Portuguese manager acknowledged his team’s tactical shortcomings in defending second balls and set-pieces, particularly against physically imposing opponents like West Ham who have struggled for consistency this season.
The draw leaves United in eighth place, missing another chance to move into fifth position and closer to European qualification spots.
Roy Keane highlighted the team’s mental fragility, suggesting they appear “frightened to get the job done” when presented with opportunities to climb the table.
United have now won just one match in their last five Premier League fixtures.
Amorim insisted his team are not regressing despite their inconsistent performances, describing them as unpredictable rather than declining.
United face bottom-placed Wolves at Molineux on Monday evening, presenting another opportunity to build momentum, though their recent record suggests caution against expecting straightforward victories even against struggling opposition.
