Manchester United’s Premier League collapse continued with a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham, a result that leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with two matches left in the season. The loss was United’s 17th of the campaign and drops them to 16th in the table, capping off one of the worst domestic runs in the club’s modern history. West Ham, meanwhile, celebrated their first win at Old Trafford since 2007, moving up to 15th and overtaking United in the standings.
Tomas Soucek scored in the 26th minute, finishing off a well-worked move after Mohammed Kudus picked out the Czech midfielder with a low cross into the box. Soucek’s composed finish exposed the disorganization in United’s back line, with West Ham looking sharper and more purposeful in their buildup. Kudus, who was deployed in a more advanced attacking role, was the standout performer on the night, constantly finding pockets of space and dictating play with ease.
United had started with promise, making six changes from their midweek Europa League win, and nearly went ahead when Amad Diallo tested Alphonse Areola early on. But their momentum quickly vanished as West Ham took control. Kudus grew increasingly influential, slicing through United’s midfield and creating multiple chances with his quick feet and vision.
The second goal came in the 57th minute, a flowing team move that began with Kudus evading two defenders and ended with Jarrod Bowen tapping in from close range after a cutback from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had been caught out of position moments earlier. It was Bowen’s 11th goal of the season and one that effectively sealed the result, as United looked bereft of ideas and intensity.
Things worsened for the hosts when teenage defender Leny Yoro was forced off with a thigh injury. Already without Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez, manager Ruben Amorim is now facing a defensive crisis ahead of the Europa League final against Tottenham—arguably United’s last chance to salvage their season.
Amorim didn’t hide his frustration post-match, calling out what he described as a “mental block” and a “lack of urgency” within the squad. He admitted the issues run deeper than individual performances, suggesting that structural changes may be necessary in the summer. The tone of his interview reflected the growing pressure on the club, with survival now the immediate priority.
At full-time, the contrast in emotions was stark. West Ham’s bench exploded in celebration as they edged closer to safety, while United trudged off the pitch under a chorus of boos from the home crowd. With just two games remaining, the once-unthinkable threat of relegation now feels dangerously real for a club in free fall.