Manchester United fans walked out of Old Trafford shaking their heads on Thursday night, and Ruben Amorim looked no different. The Portuguese coach cut a stormy figure after his side threw away yet another lead in a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened West Ham, a result that piled more questions onto an already jittery Premier League campaign.
A Night That Promised Lift Off But Fell Flat
United came into the clash hoping to steady the ship after an inconsistent patch that included a limp defeat to Everton and a scrappy comeback win at Crystal Palace. But instead of a confidence-boosting performance, Amorim watched his players lose control of a match they had largely dictated.
Diogo Dalot’s neat finish shortly before the hour looked like the spark United needed. They had created moments of pressure, with Alphonse Areola saving brilliantly from Bryan Mbeumo, and Aaron Wan Bissaka twice clearing dangerous efforts off the line. Yet despite flashes of dominance, United never looked fully settled.
That unease was punished in the 84th minute when Soungoutou Magassa rose above the defence to head in his first goal for West Ham. Old Trafford fell silent.
Amorim’s Anger Boils Over
By the time he reached the post match press conference, Amorim’s frustration was impossible to hide.
“It’s frustrating, it’s angry, that’s it,” he said flatly, barely attempting to sugar coat his irritation. When asked how United fix their issues, he replied simply, “It’s working again and trying to win the next one.”
But his biggest gripe was United’s habit of switching off at crucial moments.
“We are really inconsistent. Look at the goal, 83 minutes, everything is under control, and we need to do better,” he snapped.
He even referenced last season’s infamous Brighton defeat, when he smashed a television out of sheer fury. That memory, he admitted, was why he would wait until Friday before addressing the players this time.
West Ham Earn Their Point As United Falter
For West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, the draw felt deserved. His team grew into the contest, especially in the second half when United’s grip loosened.
“We competed, we reacted well after we conceded, and the draw is deserved,” Nuno said, praising a performance that gives his side a small boost despite remaining in the relegation zone.
United, meanwhile, missed several chances to bury the game. Bruno Fernandes threatened repeatedly, Casemiro made vital blocks, and debutant Mohamadou Kante came close late on. Yet every miss fed into an all too familiar pattern.
What Comes Next For Amorim?
United now travel to Wolves, the league’s only winless side, in what suddenly feels like a high pressure fixture. Dropping more points there could escalate the tension around Amorim and his squad.
With the manager publicly signalling that his patience is wearing thin, and fans increasingly anxious about another season of stuttering form, Monday’s trip is more than a routine league game. It is a test of character.
And unless United find a way to hold onto a lead, it is a test they cannot afford to fail.
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Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Fabrizio Romano on X
