West Ham beat Manchester United 2-0 at London Stadium on Saturday as it will not be a Merry Christmas for Erik ten Hag and his Red Devils.
Manchester United have now lost more 13 matches in all competitions before Christmas, in a single season, for the first time since 1930-31 (93 years ago). It is the first time in 33 years that Manchester United are outside the top six at Christmas.
Lucas Paqueta was the architect of United’s downfall as he set up Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus to finish in the second half and a toothless attacking display from Manchester United (this is the fourth game in a row in all competitions where they’ve failed to score) underlined their severe lack of confidence and belief in what they’re doing.
With the win David Moyes’ West Ham jumped above Manchester United and now have 30 points, while United have 28.
Manchester United’s player have lost belief in Erik ten Hag
There have been some shocking defeats so far this season for Manchester United but this could be the most concerning one for Erik ten Hag. The lack of attacking creativity, confidence and belief underlines that United’s players are not enjoying what they’re being asked to do and that suggests things aren’t going to get better anytime soon. Yes, there are severe injury problems but ETH has a bigger one: the impending arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group to oversee football operations. That impending arrival is hanging over the playing side of Manchester United like a dark cloud and the uncertainty around Erik ten Hag’s future, and that of many of the players, appears to be causing real problems. Rasmus Holjund will again take the brunt of criticism as his scoreless run in the Premier League continues but the sheer lack of chances created by United is the biggest problem. There were a couple of counters in the first half and that was it. It was feeble and that word best sums up Manchester United right now. There is no identity and no confidence in this team. They have hit rock bottom and we all know what that usually means for the manager.
West Ham vs Manchester United player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, you can see Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus had a wonderful day on the counter for West Ham.
What’s next?
West Ham head to Arsenal on Thursday, Dec. 28. Manchester United host Aston Villa on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
How to watch West Ham vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 7:30am ET, Saturday (December 23)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBC.com
West Ham vs Manchester United live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Kudus punishes Mainoo’s mistake - West Ham 2-0 Manchester United (78th minute)
Oh no, Mainoo gives the ball away and Paqueta finds Kudus who finishes calmly across goal. That is Paqueta’s fifth assist this week and my word, United have been punished ruthlessly.
The Hammers lead! Bowen finishes off Paqueta’s brilliant assist - West Ham 1-0 Manchester United (72nd minute)
There it is. West Ham are so dangerous when they’re direct and Paqueta finds Bowen who finishes at the second attempt to send the home fans wild.
Great save from Onana
A corner is whipped in and Bowen heads towards goal but Andre Onana does superbly to spring to his right and push the powerful header away. Really good stop.
Half time: West Ham 0-0 Manchester United
A really sluggish first half in east London as Garnacho and Mainoo both had half chances before the break but chances were limited for both teams. Surely this will liven up in the second half, right?
Garnacho has to score
A mistake in midfield sees the ball drop to Antony and he lays it in to Garnacho who is clean through but his tame shot is straight at Areola. The young Argentina has to score there. The first big chance of the game has come and gone.
Slow start
The Hammers have been bright early on but Man United have weathered the storm and are looking to get on the ball and get something going in attack. Bruno Fernandes is doing his best to pull the strings.
West Ham lineup
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Bowen, Paqueta
Manchester United lineup
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Kambwala, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Antony
West Ham focus, team news
The only player the Hammers are missing is Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen has been doing a fine job standing in for him. Moyes will keep shuffling his pack and will be wary of his players running out of steam given their Europa League, League Cup and Premier League exploits in recent weeks. West Ham are at their best when counter-attacking and letting Paqueta, Kudus and Bowen run riot, while the more set-pieces they get the better with James Ward-Prowse creating so many chances for a team who are renowned for being dangerous from dead-ball situations. Nayef Aguerd and Maxwel Cornet are struggling with illness for West Ham.
OUT: Michail Antonio (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Nayef Aguerd (illness), Maxwel Cornet (illness)
Manchester United focus, team news
Erik ten Hag has a multitude of injury issues to deal with but he found the solidity he needed last weekend at Liverpool and will be hoping for a similarly robust display. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were excellent in their first appearance together at center back, while Luke Shaw’s return to fitness adds experience and drive from left back. Kobbie Mainoo is a revelation and he may start in midfield with Bruno Fernandes likely to come back in and Scott McTominay should revert to a slightly deeper position. Up top it will be intriguing to see if Rasmus Hojlund starts again as he continues to search for his first Premier League goal. Marcus Rashford looked sharp when he came off the bench at Liverpool and will be pushing to start from the left.
OUT: Casemiro (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Diogo Dalot (suspension), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary - club), Harry Maguire (groin), Victor Lindelof (undisclosed), Mason Mount (calf), Amad Diallo (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Christian Eriksen (knee), Anthony Martial (illness)