Manchester United’s struggle to defend leads cost them a spot in the Premier League’s top five as West Ham battled back to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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Diogo Dalot scored his first league goal in 19 months to put the hosts ahead, but Soungoutou Magassa rescued a crucial point for the visitors, who continue their fight against relegation.
United have lost only once in their last eight matches but have repeatedly dropped points from strong positions, including against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Everton, and now West Ham. The Red Devils sit eighth, just two points shy of the top four, while the draw keeps West Ham within two points of safety under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Matheus Cunha returned from injury to bolster the United attack, but the hosts struggled to break down West Ham’s well-organized defense. Joshua Zirkzee, who ended a year-long wait for a Premier League goal in Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace, was again ineffective in the absence of injured Benjamin Sesko. Zirkzee came closest to scoring before halftime when he met Amad Diallo’s cross, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear off the line.
West Ham, missing Lucas Paqueta after his red card against Liverpool, relied on Jarrod Bowen for creativity. Bowen’s jinking run through four United defenders nearly resulted in a goal before his effort was saved by Senne Lammens.
United eventually made their dominance count shortly before the hour mark. Dalot, whose recent form had been questioned by manager Ruben Amorim, controlled Casemiro’s deflected effort and swept it into the far corner for his first Premier League goal since May 2024.
However, United could not extend their lead. Bowen won a corner and flicked Andy Irvine’s delivery toward goal; Noussair Mazraoui’s clearance fell to Magassa, who slotted home his first English football goal to equalize.
Bruno Fernandes had two chances in stoppage time to claim the win for United but fired both efforts over the bar, leaving Old Trafford with a frustrating point.
