“That is absolutely shameful. To be fair the penalty was an absolute robbery. Their behavior was uncalled for. Defective VAR is the cause of this” – Pundit strongly criticizes Mikel Oliver decision after footage shows handball but VAR overruled it to give Westham the winning penalty.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is feeling the heat after a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in Sunday’s Premier League clash. This loss adds to the team’s recent disappointments, sparking questions about ten Hag’s ability to steer the club in the right direction.
The game was pivotal, with both teams looking to improve their league standing following underwhelming starts. United started energetically, creating multiple chances in the opening half. Alejandro Garnacho nearly scored but saw his shot ricochet off the post, while Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, and Diogo Dalot also came close. Despite their strong efforts, United couldn’t find the net, leaving the score level at halftime.
Ten Hag introduced a notable tactical shift in the second half, swapping out Rashford for Amad Diallo around the 60th minute. The change, however, didn’t immediately bring the breakthrough United needed. Instead, it was West Ham who took the lead, with Crysencio Summerville netting in the 74th minute to give his side a crucial advantage.
United managed to respond seven minutes later when Casemiro headed in a cross from Joshua Zirkzee, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer seemed to give United a boost, yet the match took another twist in stoppage time. A VAR review determined that Matthijs de Ligt had committed a foul in the box, awarding West Ham a penalty. Jarrod Bowen confidently converted in the 92nd minute, clinching a dramatic victory for West Ham and cementing his status as a reliable finisher under pressure.
This defeat further intensifies the spotlight on ten Hag, whose team has experienced a string of lackluster performances. While United has shown flashes of promise, they have struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, with players like Bruno Fernandes and Rashford delivering inconsistent performances. This recurring inability to secure results has heightened concerns, with West Ham’s win only deepening the scrutiny around ten Hag.
Amid growing speculation over ten Hag’s future, rumors suggest the club is eyeing potential replacements, including former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez. Though no official moves have been made, the ongoing uncertainty raises questions about ten Hag’s position if results don’t improve soon.
West Ham’s victory not only boosted their league position but also intensified United’s troubles as their inconsistent form remains a talking point. For ten Hag, the challenge is to turn things around and restore faith in his leadership, or risk facing an early exit. Bowen’s calm execution of the decisive penalty earned him Player of the Match honors, underscoring his pivotal role in West Ham’s triumph, despite facing his own ups and downs this season.
