Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham in the Premier League
Diogo Dalot’s well-taken goal gave United the lead, but defensive lapses allowed Soungoutou Magassa to equalise, ultimately costing Ruben Amorim’s side two vital points.
Here are four key lessons from the performance.
Slow Starts Continue to Cost United
Another match, another sluggish opening from Manchester United. Slow starts have become a worrying trend this season, and once again they found themselves second-best in the early stages. West Ham dominated possession, looked sharper in midfield, and appeared the more likely side to score during the opening minutes.
This issue has appeared repeatedly as United also began slowly in their recent win against Crystal Palace, where they had to come from behind, and in the 1–0 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford. Although United eventually improved towards the end of the first half and played more confidently in the second, the recurring sluggishness is concerning.
If United want to secure more points at home and avoid avoidable setbacks, they must find a way to start matches with greater intensity and focus.
Set-Piece Weaknesses Remain a Major Problem
Despite being one of the Premier League’s highest scorers from set-pieces this season, United remain surprisingly vulnerable when defending them. The equaliser from Soungoutou Magassa highlighted the recurring fragility. Moments earlier, Jarrod Bowen had already forced a header that was cleared off the line from the corner which was yet another warning sign United failed to address.
These problems stretch back to the opening-day defeat to Arsenal, when Riccardo Calafiori’s set-piece goal cost United all three points. In total, set-piece concessions at Old Trafford have already cost United valuable points this season.
Even with changes in personnel, including a goalkeeper switch, the defensive issues remain. Unless United improve their organisation, concentration, and physical presence during dead-ball situations, these preventable goals will continue to undermine their campaign.
Lack of Midfield Control Hurts United’s Rhythm
United’s inability to consistently control the midfield was once again evident. Ruben Amorim’s three-at-the-back system often leaves only two central midfielders, typically Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro against teams with a midfield three. This numerical disadvantage frequently leaves United struggling to dictate play.
Against West Ham, that lack of control resulted in long spells without possession, limited attacking rhythm, and very few clear chances created. Although Diogo I’ll Dalot’s goal came from one of the rare moments where United sustained pressure, they lacked the midfield dominance needed to secure all three points.
If United are to improve in this area, tactical adjustments or January reinforcements may be required, particularly players who can provide calmness, structure, and press resistance in central areas.
The Right Side Remains United’s Biggest Attacking Threat
Despite the frustrations, the right flank continues to be a major positive. Amad Diallo performances at right wing-back, combined with Bryan Mbeumo’s impact on the same side, have made the right-hand channel United’s most reliable attacking outlet.
Both players offered pace, creativity, and forward drive, regularly combining to create United’s most dangerous moments. Even when the midfield struggles to maintain control, the right side provides genuine quality and incision.
Strengthening and stabilising the left-hand side would help United become a more balanced and unpredictable attacking force, but for now, the right remains their most consistent route to goal.