Manchester United endured another frustrating outing, losing 2-1 to West Ham United at the London Stadium. Despite flashes of brilliance from individuals, the team faltered, succumbing to pressure in critical moments. Here is a detailed analysis of how each player performed.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Andre Onana – 6/10
Onana had a quiet game, with West Ham rarely troubling him. His command of the box was reassuring, especially during set pieces. He made decisive runs off his line to collect crosses and managed distribution reasonably well. On the penalty from Jarrod Bowen, Onana guessed the direction correctly but was unable to keep it out, as it was well-taken.
Diogo Dalot – 3/10
A night to forget for Dalot. His glaring miss in the first half was a moment that could define United’s season. With the goal at his mercy, he somehow failed to convert what should have been a routine finish. His defensive errors compounded his problems; he lost track of Crysencio Summerville, who capitalized on Dalot’s lapse to open the scoring. A shaky performance on both ends of the pitch.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4/10
De Ligt was solid for much of the game, showing strength in duels with Michail Antonio. However, he was unfortunate to concede a penalty in the dying minutes. While the handball was debatable, it added to the sense of misfortune surrounding his performance. De Ligt will feel aggrieved, as he was otherwise dependable in dealing with West Ham’s physical forwards.
Lisandro Martinez – 6/10
Martinez played with his trademark intensity and was dependable throughout. He read the game well, making key interventions when necessary. His bravery was on display when he soldiered on after taking a knock early in the first half, highlighting his warrior mentality.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
Playing out of position at left-back, Mazraoui looked comfortable. He linked up well with Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank and offered width whenever possible. His overlapping runs caused occasional problems for West Ham’s defense, but an unfortunate injury cut his game short. If the injury proves serious, it could be a setback for United.
Casemiro – 9/10
A dominant display from Casemiro, who was the standout performer. His cross to Bruno Fernandes should have resulted in a goal, and he was a constant threat from set pieces, including a first-half header that was brilliantly saved by Lukasz Fabianski. Casemiro’s goal to level the game showcased his resilience, arriving at the right place and time to convert from close range. This performance marked a significant improvement from his recent outings, demonstrating his importance to the team.
Christian Eriksen – 6/10
Eriksen was composed in midfield, orchestrating play with quiet efficiency. He delivered some dangerous balls from corners, putting West Ham under pressure. While he wasn’t as influential as Fernandes or Casemiro, Eriksen kept things ticking in the middle, providing stability and creativity when required.
Bruno Fernandes – 8/10
The captain was at the heart of everything positive for United. He created several early chances, including two golden opportunities for Garnacho, who failed to convert. Fernandes also came close to scoring himself with a header but was unlucky with his effort. His passing was sharp, and he controlled the tempo, keeping West Ham’s midfield on their toes. Despite the loss, Fernandes’ influence was undeniable.
Marcus Rashford – 4/10
Rashford’s form continues to be a concern. He struggled to get involved, offering little in attack. His lack of urgency and creativity made him a liability, and it was no surprise when he was substituted early in the second half. This performance raises further questions about his confidence and consistency this season.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10
Garnacho started brightly but lacked the composure to make a decisive impact. He squandered two excellent chances in the opening minutes, which could have swung the momentum in United’s favor. While he showed flashes of creativity, his influence faded as the game progressed, and he struggled to maintain his early energy.
Rasmus Højlund – 4/10
It was a frustrating evening for Højlund, who was starved of service. Apart from a single opportunity created by Garnacho, he barely had a sniff at goal. With little support from his teammates, Højlund found himself isolated and unable to influence the game. United’s inability to involve him more highlights a recurring issue in their attacking setup.
Substitutes
Amad Diallo – 7/10
Amad’s introduction gave United a spark. He looked lively and eager to make things happen, injecting much-needed energy into the attack. His involvement in the buildup to Casemiro’s goal was crucial, as he found pockets of space and linked play intelligently. Amad also tested Fabianski with a couple of long-range efforts, showing his intent to turn the tide.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10
Zirkzee made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Casemiro’s equalizer. His movement was sharp, and he offered a physical presence in the box that United had been lacking. While his time on the pitch was limited, Zirkzee’s cameo was a positive contribution in an otherwise frustrating outing.
Victor Lindelof – 5/10
Lindelof was introduced late in the game and had little time to make an impact. His role was mainly to shore up the defense as United pushed for an equalizer, but he didn’t have much to do in the limited minutes he was on the pitch.
Match Overview
Manchester United’s defeat at the London Stadium exposed their ongoing struggles with consistency and finishing. Despite controlling possession for large portions of the match, they failed to convert key chances, and individual errors proved costly. The missed opportunities, particularly Dalot’s open goal, will haunt the team, as it could have been a turning point.
West Ham, on the other hand, were clinical when it mattered. Crysencio Summerville’s goal capitalized on United’s lapse in concentration, and Jarrod Bowen’s coolly-taken penalty sealed the win. David Moyes’ side deserves credit for their resilience and ability to punish mistakes.
For United, the defeat will raise questions about their ability to compete at the highest level this season. The team showed glimpses of quality, but a lack of ruthlessness in both attack and defense ultimately cost them.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United’s inconsistency remains a major concern. With upcoming fixtures against top opposition, Erik ten Hag must address the team’s issues quickly. Rashford’s form, in particular, will be a topic of debate, as the forward’s lack of impact is becoming increasingly problematic.
On a positive note, Casemiro’s return to form offers a glimmer of hope. His commanding performance in midfield was a reminder of what he can bring to the side when at his best. Amad Diallo’s impressive cameo also suggests that he could play a bigger role in future games.
If United are to turn their season around, they need more performances like Casemiro’s and fewer lapses like Dalot’s. Consistency, finishing, and focus will be key as they navigate a challenging run of fixtures. Meanwhile, West Ham will look to build on this victory, with their sights set on securing a strong league position.
