Manchester United’s Struggles Continue with Defeat at West Ham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag voiced frustration after his side’s 2-1 loss to West Ham, criticizing the penalty decision that led to the defeat. United dominated the first half and created multiple scoring opportunities, but Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford all missed key chances. Jarrod Bowen secured West Ham’s win with a late penalty after referee David Coote, initially dismissing a penalty call reversed his decision following a VAR review of Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings.

United players protested, arguing that Ings had committed a handball but Coote upheld the penalty after a lengthy review. Ten Hag expressed disappointment with the decision, arguing that VAR should only address “clear and obvious” errors which he believed this case did not represent. He noted that he has felt similar “injustice” in recent matches which he believes has impacted United’s current table position just above the relegation zone.

United’s struggle to convert chances has left them with only eight goals in nine games, placing them among the league’s lowest scorers and highlighting a significant gap between expected goals (14.56) and actual goals scored. With only three wins this season, Ten Hag now faces increasing pressure as Manchester United’s form has also faltered in the Europa League.

Although Ten Hag focused on the team’s lack of finishing rather than singling out specific players, the loss has amplified scrutiny around his tenure. BBC analyst Michael Brown pointed out United’s misfortune in this match but acknowledged that the pressure on Ten Hag has intensified. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other United leadership are closely monitoring his results as their support for the Dutchman appears conditional on improved performance.