West Ham do the double over Manchester United
Old Trafford Defeat Adds to United’s Premier League Woes
Manchester United’s Premier League struggles continued at Old Trafford as they were beaten 2–0 by West Ham United. The performance once again highlighted the deep-rooted problems facing the club as the campaign nears its end.
Despite reaching the Europa League final earlier this week, there was little for United fans to celebrate. Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen handed West Ham a deserved victory and piled more pressure on manager Ruben Amorim. United have now gone seven league matches without a win, equalling their worst ever Premier League run.
Injuries to Yoro and Shaw Complicate Europa League Final Plans
Amorim named a side that included five likely starters for the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham. But the biggest concern was the injury suffered by Leny Yoro, who limped off in clear distress. With Luke Shaw also withdrawn, United may be forced into changes for the Bilbao final on 21 May.
Soucek and Bowen Sink United at Old Trafford
West Ham, who had not won in eight league games, made the most of United’s sluggishness. Soucek scored in the 26th minute after a neat move involving Mohammed Kudus and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Bowen added the second after the break, again capitalising on defensive mistakes.
Alphonse Areola produced a superb performance in goal for the visitors, denying chances from Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire to preserve the clean sheet.
United’s Premier League Form Reaches New Low
Since late January, United have only beaten two relegated sides — Ipswich and Leicester. They can finish no higher than 13th, marking their worst top-flight finish in over 50 years. With Champions League qualification only possible through Europa League success, the pressure on Amorim has never been greater.
Key Players Struggling as Transfer Plans Take Shape
Several key players underperformed. Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo failed to make an impact, and Hojlund continued to struggle up front. United’s interest in Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Ipswich’s Liam Delap signals a clear desire for a new striker.
Defensive issues remain a concern. Maguire’s error led to the opener, and Manuel Ugarte’s mistake contributed to the second. Backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is also expected to be replaced in the summer.
West Ham’s Veterans Depart as Potter Plans a Rebuild
West Ham confirmed this week that Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukasz Fabianski will leave the club this summer. Their departure signals a major rebuild under Graham Potter, who finally saw signs of progress in this performance.
Mohammed Kudus was central to both goals but may need to be sold to fund summer signings. Meanwhile, Bowen’s goal reinforced his importance to the future of the team.
Europa League Final: United’s Last Hope for Redemption
Manchester United’s Premier League struggles continue as their hopes of salvaging their season rest entirely on the Europa League final. Defeat to Tottenham would mark the end of a disastrous campaign. Victory, however, could secure Champions League football and a much-needed boost heading into the summer.
Amorim now faces the challenge of lifting a team in crisis for one final push — and perhaps saving his own future at Old Trafford in the process.