West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United: 5 Things we Learnt

1. Manchester United's goalscoring struggles continue

Manchester United's most significant reason for their poor Premier League form in the past year under Erik ten Hag has been the lack of goals. In the 2022/23 season, Marcus Rashford, with 17 in 35 games, was firing on all cylinders. However, the goals from the forward line dried up in the 2023/24 (seven in 33) and 2024/25 seasons.

The game against West Ham United proved to be another example. The Red Devils had arguably the best chance in the first half when Diogo Dalot missed an open goal when Bruno Fernandes put him in. Later in the first half, Christian Eriksen put in a good ball for Casemiro, but Lukasz Fabianski sensationally stopped his effort.

In the first 45 minutes of the game, Manchester United had eight shots and had only two on target. That alone is enough to show you the lack of firepower they have up top.

2. Manchester United's second half woes return

Manchester United's goalscoring issues were worsened by their dominating first-half performance, which totally sunk them in the second half. In their entire Champions League campaign last year or this year's Europa League campaign, United started really well but could not hold on to a lead in the second half.

In the Premier League, there are so many games in which they have started well and created many chances, but they cannot convert and eventually go on to either draw or lose the match. This was the storyline at Crystal Palace (0-0) and Brighton (2-1 loss), and it has happened the same at West Ham. After having three to four clear chances in the first half, they once again conceded first in the second half to West Ham.

3. Christian Eriksen is proving to be more than just a squad option

Before the start of the season, many fans thought Christian Eriksen wouldn't be at Manchester United beyond 2024. Even if he did make himself available, many thought the Dane would be nothing more than a squad member. However, the veteran playmaker has changed the narrative around him so far.

In the Europa League, Eriksen has been the standout player for Manchester United by a country mile, generating goals and assists for fun. Now, he has got another Premier League start under his belt ahead of Manual Ugarte, who was signed from PSG this summer.

4. Manchester United's injury issues worsen

Manchester United's struggles with injuries are not something new as well. Michail Antonio clattered into Andre Onana in the second half. The Cameroonian keeper suffered an injury on the head, and it looked like he would be coming off. However, the medical staff decided to keep Onana on.

Although Onana decided to play the remainder of the game, the keeper may not be available for the future games. Manchester United's second choice keeper is Altay Bayındır, but the Turkish keeper is yet to make his Premier League move since his transfer to Manchester United last summer.

Just a few minutes after Manchester United's equalizer, the second injury issue came in the name of Noussair Mazraoui. However, like Onana, he chose to carry on until the end.

5. Erik ten Hag's last game?

Manchester United finished 8th in the Premier League last season. However, they kept Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman won them the FA Cup on the last day of the season. Despite the signings of top-quality in the transfer window, the Premier League form doesn't look like improving anytime soon.

The Red Devils' next league game is Chelsea at Old Trafford, a fixture they won last season. However, looking at the resurgence the Blues are in under Enzo Maresca, it doesn't look likely that the result could be repeated. Hence, this result could trigger the Manchester United owners to get a new man on the touchline before the next game.