Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus helped West Ham take three points at home to Manchester United, who suffered their 13th loss of the season in all competitions and failed to score for the fourth consecutive game. Despite a flat performance, Erik ten Hag had some praise for his side in his post-match interview.
David Moyes’ West Ham Seal Clean Sheet in 2-0 Victory Over Erik ten Hag’s Disjointed United
Manchester United’s Goal Drought Extends to Six Hours
Erik ten Hag’s side have now failed to score in over six hours and 45 minutes of football. In the Premier League, they have only managed 18 goals from 18 games. While they are currently in eighth place, they have to look to 15th place Crystal Palace to find the lowest scorers aside from themselves, with Roy Hodgson’s side also on 18 goals scored for the season.
Disturbingly, newly promoted sides Luton Town and Burnley have an equal number of goals with the Reds, with the former club also boasting a game in hand on United. Nottingham Forest have also outscored the Reds.
Read More: We Graded Every Manchester United Summer Signing Ahead Of The January Transfer Window
How David Moyes’ Changes Stunned United
David Moyes’ West Ham soaked up pressure after struggling in the first half, before making a small tactical adjustment to move around his midfielders, resulting in Lucas Paqueta playing further up in a striker-like position. This change helped them utilise the Brazillian’s strength and exceptional technical ability to break into their opposition’s final third.
Minutes after the change, Paqueta’s sublime lob with the outside of his left foot found Jarrod Bowen ten yards out, where the Englishman’s rebounded effort passed Andre Onana. The Hammers kept up the pressure and six minutes after their first goal Mohamed Kudus profited from a poor mistake by Kobbie Mainoo, sealing the three points with a devestating finish in the bottom left corner.
In the first half, Alejandro Garnacho had a 1 vs 1 chance to put his side ahead but couldn’t beat Alphonse Areola, who made a stellar save to his credit. While the Argentine youngster was probably their biggest threat of the game, he failed to deliver the final incisive pass or shot to help his side take the lead.
Rasmus Hojlind cut an isolated figure and failed to register a single shot in the 57 minutes before he was withdrawn. While it is concerning that the Danish prospect couldn’t do more to link up play for his side, it is perhaps even more worrying that his teammates could not create a single chance for him. Antony and Garnacho completed one pass between them to Hojlund – a shocking stat for Ten Hag’s side.
Read More: The Top 5 Football Kits Of The 2023-2024 Premier League Season
‘We Were Dominant’ – Erik ten Hag Reacts to Defeat
"We were dominant."
Erik ten Hag tells @carriebrowntv that it was a solid performance today and if they scored first they would have gone on to win the game!#beINPL #MUFC #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/odgn66nddo
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) December 23, 2023
The Manchester United boss claimed his side were “dominant” despite their defeat at the London Stadium, praising his side in a post-match interview with BeIN Sports for controlling the game and creating chances in transition. His side were indeed in firm control of the first half but overall, the statistics don’t reflect the dominance suggested in his post-match interview.
While they did control possession with 65%, they had fewer shots than their East London opponents (12 vs 11 ) and less expected goals (1.36 vs 0.91). In the first half they did manage to progress the ball from defence with some consistency, however, this control faded as the game went on. In the second half, they looked increasingly blunt, with their best attack stopped by an excellent Kurt Zouma block which denied a tap-in at the back post.
The defeat before Christmas is the Manchester side’s 13th of the season in all competitions, their worst record since 1930.
Read More: ‘A Last Resort’: Manchester United Facing Loss Of ‘Incredible Player’
Injury Crisis & Varane Confusion Causes Concerns for Manchester United
While absences cannot fully explain United’s flat performances this season, their injury crisis has been brutal. Victor Lindelof has been ruled out until January after undergoing surgery, while Harry Maguire is suffering from a groin injury. Casemiro has returned to training but is still trying to reach full fitness. Unfortunately, Lisandro Martinez will be out until mid-January at the earliest.
Once again Raphael Varane did not start for United, with the Dutch head coach explaining on Friday that illness in the camp had affected the Frenchman and prevented him from starting. However, there are concerns about his future. Even when available, the World Cup winner has been benched numerous times ahead of crucial games.
A recent report by The Athletic revealed that his contract expires in the summer of 2024 if he does not activate his player option to extend. As a result, he is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in the January window. This is despite the fact United’s official announcement of the signing in 2021 stated that he would be at the club until 2025.
Read More: ‘Considered Important’: Premier League Giants Wish To Hold Onto Player Described As ‘One Of The Best In Europe’
With the club facing financial fair play restrictions on their spending, the potential loss of Varane without a fee could be devestating, with the only benefit being the freeing up of £13 million a year in wages. It is also understood from the report that the former Madrid star has had tensions with Ten Hag, leading back to when he was benched for both the Manchester Derby and Carabou Cup Quarter-final tie against Newcastle just three days later.
With the Red Devils slipping down the table and out of European competitions, Erik ten Hag faces a mighty task to turn around his season. With rumours of discontent in the squad, fans fear it may be too late.
