By Olaitan Ibrahim
Manchester United were handed another disappointing home defeat as they fell 2-0 to West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite several chances, United were unable to break down a resolute West Ham side, leaving them with more questions than answers.
The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when Tomas Soucek latched onto a pass inside the penalty box and fired a clinical low strike past United goalkeeper, Andre Onana, into the right post. The goal was a perfect example of West Ham’s efficiency in front of goal.
United’s response came in the second half with an appeal for a penalty after Amad Diallo was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away the claims. It was a decision that left the home side frustrated as the match wore on.
West Ham doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Jarrod Bowen found himself in a one-on-one with Onana and drilled the ball into the bottom right corner with a precise finish.
Despite Manchester United’s best efforts, including a couple of close-range chances from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, West Ham’s goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, was in inspired form, pulling off a series of key saves.
Højlund had a chance in the 79th minute, but Areola denied him with a superb reflex save, while James Ward-Prowse’s late attempt in injury time was also kept out by Onana.
The defeat leaves United with more questions over their form and raises concerns about their ability to challenge for top honours this season.