1-0 defeat

By Chris O'Brien
May 7 2023

Manchester United fans will be growing increasingly nervous about their team's bid for a top four finish following Sunday evening's 1-0 reverse at the hands of West Ham.

A David de Gea blunder after 27 minutes proved fatal - as Said Benrahma claimed the only goal of the game in East London.

United's stopper let a gentle long-range effort slip beyond his grasp as the Hammers broke the deadlock in unlikely circumstances. as 62,477 watched on at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park.

Erik ten Hag's visitors had started well - with Marcus Rashford and Antony hitting the post; but West Ham looked more likely to score again after their opening goal.

Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out for offside - while Tomas Soucek was among those to have chances for The Irons, who move seven points above the drop zone and now look very likely to secure Premier League safety. 

Liverpool - as we sadly know all too well - have a knack of coming strong just at the right time. At times, this had looked a potentially calamitous season for Jurgen Klopp's men - much to the joy of the United faithful. But they've now won six on the bounce and are just one point behind the fourth-placed Red Devils, having played a game more. Gulp. 

Brighton, too, are still theoretically in with a plausible chance. ManUtdWeb Towers have predicted time and time again that their season would fade - a claim that was particularly embarrassing after Aleix Mac Allister's late penalty sunk United on Thursday. However, the Seagulls have a very tough run-in and will probably need to win at least five of their remaining six games to stand a realistic chance of Champions League qualification. Not going to happen.

United return to action next Saturday - as they entertain Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3pm kick-off. United must look to stop their two-game losing run against a Wanderers side, who have themselves secured their top-flight status with four wins in six, to ease these top four jitters and give the Red Army some breathing space as the countdown to the FA Cup final, and Manchester derby, continues. 

Full Time - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United
Attendance - 62,477