Manchester United Drop Points at Home After Late West Ham Equaliser

Manchester United were left to rue a golden opportunity to climb into the Premier League’s top five after surrendering a late lead in a 1–1 draw at Old Trafford against struggling West Ham United. After Diogo Dalot put the hosts ahead with a goal just after the hour mark, the home side failed to see out the win, as Soungoutou Magassa levelled for the visitors in the 83rd minute.

Dalot’s strike — his first in the league in 19 months — appeared to set United on course for a much‑needed win. But instead of pressing for a second, the Red Devils retreated and allowed West Ham space to push for an equaliser. Their failure to maintain control as the match entered its final stages was compounded by missed chances and lapses at the back, culminating in a corner that West Ham converted.

Manager Ruben Amorim welcomed back Matheus Cunha to bolster the attacking unit but conceded after the match that the team lacked the cutting edge and urgency required to close out the game. The draw leaves United in eighth place with 22 points, just two shy of the top‑four zone. West Ham, meanwhile, move within touching distance of safety, remaining in the relegation zone but bolstered by this morale‑boosting result.

The match saw United dominate possession and craft several half‑chances, yet key misses — including two in stoppage time from Bruno Fernandes — ensured the home side left Old Trafford empty-handed. Fernandes’ inability to convert those late opportunities underlined United’s growing tendency to falter in matches they begin in control.

This is not the first time United have dropped points from winning positions this season; draws and narrow losses after taking the lead have become a recurring theme. The pattern raises serious doubts over the team’s defensive organisation and mental composure under pressure.

For West Ham, this result represents a small but crucial step in their fight to escape relegation, especially given their position near the bottom of the table. For United, however, the evening adds to mounting frustration among fans and pundits alike, who expect a top‑tier side to capitalise on dominance — not be punished for passive defending and poor game management.

As the season progresses, United will need to address their defensive fragility and sharpen their finishing if they are to salvage their ambitions for a top‑four finish.