Jarrod Bowen converted an injury-time penalty to hand Manchester United a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League, relieving some pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.
Casemiro seemed to have earned a point for the visitors when he headed in an equalizer with less than 10 minutes remaining, responding to Crysencio Summerville’s opener in the 74th minute.
United were incensed when referee David Coote was sent to the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee with three minutes left to assess Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings in the box.
Despite United’s players protesting over a potential handball by Ings, Coote awarded the penalty, and Bowen confidently slotted the ball past Andre Onana.
United controlled possession and created more chances in the first half at London Stadium, but their lack of clinical finishing left them regretting missed opportunities.
After a disappointing first half, West Ham came out stronger in the second half, launching multiple attacks on United’s defense and eventually scoring when Summerville directed Ings’ scuffed shot into the net.
This result leaves United in 14th place in the Premier League, having won only three of their first nine matches, increasing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Conversely, this victory serves as a statement for West Ham, moving them above United after a sluggish start to the season.
Wasteful United Regret Missed Chances
It was a frustrating day in front of goal for Ten Hag’s team, who should have been well ahead by the time the referee signaled half-time.
Alejandro Garnacho was a constant threat on the left flank, challenging former teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He nearly opened the scoring in the second minute, hitting the crossbar.
The Argentine shot wide shortly after, while Diogo Dalot missed an open goal after cleverly flicking the ball past Lukasz Fabianski.
Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford had their attempts thwarted by Fabianski, and Bruno Fernandes sent a header over the bar as United dominated the first half.
West Ham benefited from the crossbar again, which deflected a defensive header from Edson Alvarez, and a spectacular one-handed save from Fabianski kept Casemiro from scoring just before the break.
With the club winning only once in their last eight matches, questions regarding Ten Hag’s future are likely to arise.
Substitutes Rescue Lopetegui
Unhappy with his team’s lackluster first-half display, in which they failed to register a shot on target, Lopetegui made a triple substitution.
Carlos Soler, Lucas Paqueta, and Konstantinos Mavropanos were replaced by Summerville, Tomas Soucek, and Jean-Clair Todibo, while Ings entered the match with 20 minutes remaining.
Summerville, a £25m summer signing who scored 20 goals for Leeds United in the Championship last season, will be pleased to get on the scoresheet in East London.
The Dutchman created problems on the right wing, while Ings posed a threat as his teammates delivered balls into the box.
After managing only a single shot in the first half, West Ham shifted their focus to attack, firing 11 shots while limiting United’s chances.
Following a humbling 4-1 defeat to Tottenham the previous weekend, this result could signal a turnaround for both Lopetegui and West Ham.