West Ham United snatched a dramatic late point at Old Trafford, with Soungoutou Magassa's 83rd-minute equaliser cancelling out Diogo Dalot's opener and frustrating Manchester United's push up the Premier League table.
United's Missed Opportunity
The home side appeared to be heading for a victory that would have propelled them to within touching distance of the top five. Having shown signs of improvement with a series of high-tempo moves, they took a deserved lead through defender Diogo Dalot's expert finish in the second half.
For much of the contest, United controlled proceedings. Early penalty appeals from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes were waved away by referee Andrew Kitchen, but the pressure eventually told. The breakthrough came when Diallo found Casemiro, whose driven effort deflected into the path of Dalot, who made no mistake.
Hammers' Resilience Rewarded
West Ham, starting the day in 18th position with just 11 points, had offered little attacking threat for large periods. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo's side, however, demonstrated trademark resilience and capitalised on a rare lapse in United's concentration late on.
The decisive moment arrived from a corner. Jarrod Bowen flicked on Andy Irving's delivery, forcing Noussair Mazraoui into a desperate goal-line clearance. The ball fell perfectly for Soungoutou Magassa, who powered home his first goal for the club to send the travelling fans into raptures.
Tactical Shifts and Key Moments
The match saw several notable tactical decisions. United manager Ruben Amorim surprisingly started 19-year-old Ayden Heaven in central defence, but the teenager struggled against the experienced Callum Wilson and was replaced at half-time by Leny Yoro.
West Ham's best earlier chance fell to Freddie Potts, whose fierce shot was bravely blocked by Casemiro. At the other end, United's Joshua Zirkzee was instrumental, creating several opportunities including a superb backheel to set up Bryan Mbeumo, who was denied by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
The result leaves Manchester United on 22 points, missing the chance to close the gap on the Champions League places. For West Ham, the point moves them to 12, offering a vital lifeline in their battle to avoid relegation and raising questions about United's ability to see out games from winning positions.
