Manchester United had to settle for a draw at home to West Ham. It should have been very different.
United looked like they were on their way to three points, taking the lead in the first half through Rasmus Hojlund. But West Ham pulled level after the break, with James Ward-Prowse equalising from a set piece. The points were shared in the end, but United will feel it’s a missed opportunity.
Head coach Ruben Amorim made some questionable calls during the match. With United already under pressure, he decided to make all five substitutions despite his side being in control of possession and looking comfortable.
The decisions seemed to disrupt their rhythm and invited more pressure from West Ham as they searched for an equaliser.
Former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka was outstanding at Old Trafford. He even cleared an effort off the line and put together a string of strong defensive plays that kept his old club frustrated throughout.
The match also saw Wan-Bissaka escape what could have easily been a second yellow card, which would have changed the course of the game.
This result adds another frustration to Manchester United’s season. They’ve dropped far too many points against teams below them in the table and haven’t been able to build any kind of consistency under Ruben Amorim.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka fortunate to avoid a red card
Aaron Wan-Bissaka received a yellow card in the 78th minute for a late challenge, and soon after, he was involved in another questionable tackle.
Wan-Bissaka went in late on Patrick Dorgu, catching the player rather than the ball. Despite the clear contact, referee Andrew Kitchen chose not to issue a second yellow.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka who was already on a yellow card makes a challenge from behind on Dorgu of Manchester United without winning the ball,” said Clattenburg.
“The challenge was reckless and because he slides in from behind, this is a simple second yellow card and one which should then have been punished with a red card.”
United struggled to break down Everton despite an early red card
Even if West Ham had gone down to 10 men, it wouldn’t have guaranteed three points for United.
Last week against Everton, United had a similar opportunity after the Toffees went down to 10 men early on, but still couldn’t find a way through.
They ended up losing that match 1-0, failing to make the extra man count. Against West Ham, even with more defenders on the pitch and fewer chances created after the equaliser, there wasn’t much evidence that United would have made the most of another red card.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
