Manchester United wasted a golden opportunity to move into the Premier League top five after surrendering a lead in a frustrating 1-1 draw with West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday. Diogo Dalot’s second-half strike had the Red Devils heading towards fifth place, but Soungoutou Magassa’s 83rd-minute equaliser left Ruben Amorim visibly angry.
The result keeps Manchester United in eighth position on the Premier League standings 2025, just two points adrift of the top four. The dropped points proved costly as United failed to capitalise on a chance to move level on points with fourth-place Chelsea. West Ham remain 18th after securing a valuable away point.
Manchester United’s Sluggish Start Against Struggling West Ham
Manchester United made a laboured start to the contest at Old Trafford. West Ham created the better early chances, with Casemiro forced to make an important sliding tackle to turn a Mateus Fernandes shot over the bar. The effort was heading in before the Brazilian’s intervention.
It took 24 minutes for Manchester United to win their first corner of the match. The hosts slowly grew into the game with increasing confidence. Joshua Zirkzee came close when his shot with his thigh was cleared off the line by former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Bruno Fernandes then shaved the post on the rebound.
Amorim Makes Ruthless Half-Time Change
Ruben Amorim made a bold tactical decision at half-time by removing 19-year-old Ayden Heaven. The teenager endured a difficult first Premier League start to the season. Heaven made a clumsy and late tackle on Jarrod Bowen, which earned him an early booking. A sloppy backpass then forced goalkeeper Senne Lammens to come out of his area.
Leny Yoro replaced Heaven for the second half after being dropped from the starting line-up. The change demonstrated Amorim’s willingness to make tough decisions. Manchester United continued to search for the opening goal after the substitution.
Dalot Strike Puts Manchester United on Course for Premier League Top Five
Manchester United found the breakthrough in the 58th minute through a stroke of luck and class. Casemiro attempted a long-range shot that was going wide. The ball ended up at the feet of Diogo Dalot inside the box. The defender controlled the ball, spun and powered his shot past West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
The goal put Manchester United on course to move into fifth place in the Premier League standings 2025. The hosts looked set to claim three vital points. Dalot’s composed finish gave the Red Devils the platform to secure victory.
West Ham Fight Back With Late Corner Chaos
West Ham rarely threatened to find an equaliser throughout most of the second half. However, a late corner in the 83rd minute changed the complexion of the match. Jarrod Bowen’s flicked header was cleared off the line by Noussair Mazraoui.
Soungoutou Magassa reacted quickest to the loose ball in the box. The summer signing from the Monaco side-footed his shot low into the corner to score his first goal for the club. The strike sparked wild celebrations from the travelling West Ham supporters. Magassa later described the moment as feeling amazing after everyone fought throughout the game.
Amorim’s Fury After Dropping Points
Ruben Amorim made his anger and frustration abundantly clear in a curt post-match press conference. When asked about his emotions, he simply stated that he was frustrated and angry. The Manchester United manager looked angrier than he has ever appeared since joining the club.
Amorim snapped back at some reporters and rejected suggestions that Manchester United had gone backwards in recent weeks. He insisted the results were going backwards, but the team had shown some moments. The boss emphasised that United were really inconsistent and needed to improve. Amorim plans to debrief his players after cooling down, unlike when he hit a giant television in the dressing room after a loss to Brighton in January.
United’s Inconsistent Form Continues
Manchester United has won just one of its last five games, drawing three matches. The promising five-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt 10 days earlier when Everton secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. United responded with a 2-1 comeback win at Crystal Palace on Sunday, but failed to build on that result.
Figure 4: Manchester United’s Ayden Heaven in action during the match
Draws against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham all came in games where Manchester United had taken the lead. The only loss on that run came at home to an Everton team that was reduced to 10 men early in the game. Diogo Dalot acknowledged the disappointment was even bigger because United had a good chance to move into the Premier League top five.
Premier League Standings 2025: United’s Position
Manchester United remain in eighth position on the Premier League standings 2025 following the draw. However, the Red Devils sit just two points adrift of the top four. This emphasises how costly the recent inconsistent run has been for Amorim’s side.
The result means Manchester United missed the chance to move level on points with fourth-place Chelsea. West Ham’s point leaves them in 18th position as they continue to battle relegation concerns. Manchester United return to action at winless Wolves on Monday, but cannot take things for granted after failing to beat them at home last season in April.
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FAQ
Q1: What was the final score between Manchester United and West Ham?
The match ended 1-1, with Diogo Dalot scoring for Manchester United and Soungoutou Magassa equalising for West Ham in the 83rd minute.
Q2: Where do Manchester United sit in the Premier League standings 2025?
Manchester United remains in eighth position, just two points adrift of the top four Champions League qualification spots.
Q3: Who scored Manchester United’s goal against West Ham?
Diogo Dalot scored Manchester United’s goal in the 58th minute after controlling Casemiro’s wayward shot and finishing past Alphonse Areola.
Q4: How did Ruben Amorim react to the draw?
Amorim was visibly angry and frustrated, describing his emotions as frustrated and angry. He plans to debrief his players after cooling down.
