MANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.
Manchester United slipped to 16th in the Premier League after losing 2-0 to West Ham[/caption]
United gave the fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.
West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.
The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.
United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte‘s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.
Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.
The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford…
Atlay Bayindir – 4
Does Bayindir even know his back-line? There was absolutely zero communication between him and his supposed defensive shield.
With error prone Andre Onana completely rested for Europe, Bayindir was pitiful.
He has now conceded 10 goals in the last three Prem games. He’s so unconvincing to watch.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4
Cut a frustrated figure after Kudus was left alone in the box to assist the opener.
The Morroco international was drawn out to stop Wan-Bissaka, leaving Kudus unmarked behind him.
Leny Yoro – 3
Started in the middle of the back three and was caught sleeping at times. Especially when West Ham won a corner on the brink of half-time.
The 19-year-old has sparked huge concern after going off injured with a foot issue in the 50th minute.
Leny Yoro limped off injured five minutes into the second half[/caption]
Luke Shaw – 4
Was caught off guard by West Ham at times given his obvious match fitness problems.
But grew into the game better in his battle with Jarrod Bowen.
Amad Diallo – 6
Amad was handed his first start since returning from a lengthy injury, after coming off the bench for the last few games. And how happy Amorim must be to have him back.
The 22-year-old immediately showed what United were missing – a proper winger who can beat his man.
The pace of the game lifted every time Amad was on the ball. He cut in off the right and fed Bruno Fernandes for a shot inside four minutes, before having his own effort clawed away by Alphonse Areola.
Kudus left Amad on the deck before assisting the opener. Anything positive for the home side came through his tricky runs and brilliant crosses.
Amad Diallo was handed his first start since the start of February[/caption]
Harry Amass – 3
The youngster looked like he scored an own goal while sliding in to stop Soucek’s goal. He’ll be thrilled to learn he didn’t.
Was caught on the ball inside 30 seconds of the second half, which West Ham pounced on and set up a chance for James Ward-Prowse.
Manuel Ugarte – 1
Was completely invisible in the middle of the park. Not sure why Amorim prefers him as the holding midfielder over Mainoo.
The Uruguayan was at fault for Bowen’s goal after losing the ball to Kudus in his own half, whole going down injured.
The 24-year-old limped off injured immediately after 2-0.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Tactical tweak saw the Portuguese magnifico play in a deeper role, with Mainoo moving up to play with the central attacking trio.
But Bruno was part of an open midfield and failed to get on the ball to make an impact.
Woke up a bit after half-time to find Amad and Mount on several occasions, but it wasn’t enough.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Completely missing. Mainoo needs play in his normal holding midfield role. This was another invisible performance as one of the two No.10s.
Graham Potter clearly spotted United’s weakness in midfield, with Kudus running the show in a free role.
He could leave in the summer if this keeps up.
Mason Mount – 5
Sensational switch of play by Mount gave Amad a chance to run and shoot early on.
And he matched that again with a delicious ball over the top to Hojlund after West Ham took the lead.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3
Made good runs but lacked quality in the final third to get any sort of end product.
Had more touches with Amad on the pitch, but lashed a shot into Row Z, before rushing a finish to bobble Mount’s brilliant ball wide.
But he worried Amorim when he went down holding his shoulder, as United have no other strikers available for the Europa League final.
SUBS
Harry Maguire (for Yoro ’50) – 3
Amorim was clearly resting the England international for Europe, but he was forced to replace Yoro, who went off injured.
Maguire was easily beaten by Kudus, before the midfielder set up Bowen’s goal.
Victor Lindelof (for Shaw ’50)
Was equally all over the place for 2-0. The Swede was backing off and jockeying Kudus with his back to goal.
United are the only team in the Prem to consistently change their centre-backs during games. Bizarre.
Patrick Dorgu (for Mount ’58)
Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte ’58) – 6
Garnacho showed glimmers of his old self, when he used to cause havoc after coming off the bench under Erik ten Hag.
The 20-year-old caused problems for West Ham and provided the much needed impetus for United.