Manchester United never truly looked over the line, as the clock ticked over in the 83rd minute and West Ham won a corner.
Ruben Amorim had watched on from the technical area as his side took the lead in the second half - having been the better of the two teams. Diogo Dalot is often on the end of criticism from the United faithful - the scapegoat in the infamous three-back formation.
However, on Thursday evening it was his chance to stand tall - firing home the infront of the Stretford End. And yet, instead of pushing on for a second, United started to let the game drift.
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There was no control from Amorim's side as passes grew looser and his substitutions - intended to steady the ship - only unsettled the rhythm further.
The warning signs were there and the equaliser felt almost inevitable as West Ham continued to grow into the game. Soungoutou Magassa silenced Old Trafford when the ball dropped kindly for him in the penalty area after a West Ham corner.
"When you're 1-0 up and you let a game drift you're never really safe. That's what has happened. Amorim's substitutions were intended to see this game out," Gary Neville moaned on Sky Sports.
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Amorim had spoken out intensity and urgency ahead of the game - but United were limp at best, with West Ham the side with their tails up in the closing minutes.
The Hammers pushed higher, won second balls, and looked far more likely to score.
Amorim had taken a gamble before kick off, naming youngster Ayden Heaven at the heart of his defence after Leny Yoro struggled against Crystal Palace.
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The Portuguese boss citied tactical reasons for his decisions, but he left the youngsters out in the cold during a banana skin fixture on Thursday evening.
United were outrun and outworked by West Ham - who were in desperate need of the point.
It's four points from a possible nine in their last three games for Amorim's side. It's Wolves next for the Red Devils on Sunday evening, and they'll be hoping to get back to winning ways before Christmas.