Player Ratings: Soucek and Bowen Score as West Ham Beat Man United | OneFootball

Manchester United 0-2 West Ham United: Red Devils’ Premier League Woes Deepen

West Ham United made a long-awaited return to winning ways at Old Trafford on Sunday, defeating Manchester United 2-0 in a result that encapsulates the Red Devils’ grim Premier League season. It was a game that underlined the stark contrast between two clubs moving in very different directions.

West Ham Break the Curse of Old Trafford

For West Ham United, this wasn’t just another win. This was their first Premier League victory at Old Trafford in 18 years — a feat last achieved in 2007 thanks to a now-iconic Carlos Tevez goal. On this occasion, it was Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen who delivered the decisive blows, scoring in either half to claim all three points for Graham Potter’s side.

The Hammers’ performance was marked by tactical discipline and opportunism. Soucek opened the scoring with a well-timed strike, while Bowen’s finish in the second half effectively put the game beyond reach. The visitors absorbed pressure intelligently and remained composed even when Manchester United threatened a comeback.

Photo: IMAGO

United’s Fragile Season Sinks Further

Ruben Amorim’s comments in recent weeks have not minced words. The Manchester United manager has labelled the Premier League campaign as “an unmitigated disaster,” and it’s hard to argue otherwise. This latest defeat, United’s 17th in the league this season, means they can finish no higher than 13th.

Despite showing occasional promise — most notably from Amad Diallo — United failed to convert possession into purpose. Diallo himself was a constant threat, even calling for a penalty shortly before West Ham’s second goal. Rasmus Højlund, who found the net in Europe on Thursday, squandered several chances, summing up the attacking bluntness that has plagued United all season.

With two games left — against Champions League contenders Chelsea and European hopefuls Aston Villa — the pressure is now squarely on Amorim to finish the season with dignity, even if redemption must wait until next year.

Key Performers Shine for Hammers

Credit must go to West Ham’s midfield, where Guido Rodríguez and James Ward-Prowse orchestrated proceedings with authority. The inclusion of Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a left-sided midfielder proved inspired, with the former United man contributing both defensively and going forward. Bowen’s pace and composure continued to be a difference-maker, and Potter’s substitutions late in the game allowed the Hammers to see out the match comfortably.

Defensive Frailty and Missed Opportunities

United’s defensive trio — Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Noussair Mazraoui — struggled to assert control. While Shaw and Yoro looked rusty, Mazraoui offered brief moments of assurance. The midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte lacked spark, with Fernandes attempting to dictate tempo but rarely finding cutting edge.

Amorim’s in-game changes brought energy but not goals. Garnacho and Eriksen failed to shift momentum, and by the time West Ham’s second went in, the body language among the home players told its own story.

Player Ratings

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

West Ham United (3-5-2)

West Ham’s performance on the day was everything Manchester United’s was not — composed, cohesive and clinical. It may be too late for either club to challenge the Premier League elite this season, but if Sunday’s match is anything to go by, one is clearly building a foundation while the other continues to search for stability.