By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, December 5 2025 - Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in a closely contested match, missing the chance to climb to fifth in the Premier League table.
The visitors started the game well, pressing high and unsettling United’s defence. Their early pressure earned them three corners within the first 15 minutes, but West Ham failed to make any of the opportunities count.
After about twenty minutes, United regained control and mounted a series of attacks. Despite creating several chances, they failed to capitalise on them, with West Ham’s defence remaining compact and disciplined. The first half ended level, neither side managing to break through.
United resumed the second half with momentum, playing short forward passes, frequent crosses, and a few attempts that were saved. The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute when Casemiro’s pass inside the box deflected into the path of Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese defender controlled it calmly and placed a clean finish into the bottom-right corner.
After taking the lead, United lost intensity, becoming sloppy in possession. West Ham took advantage of the shift, pushing harder for an equaliser. In the 85th minute, midfielder Magassa reacted quickest to a rebound from a corner, firing home to bring the visitors level and spark celebrations in the away end.
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With six minutes to play, both sides searched for a winner. United almost found one when Areola punched away a Casemiro cross, sending the ball to Bruno Fernandes, but the captain blasted his effort wide.
The match ended in a stalemate a disappointing outcome for United, who had an opportunity to reduce the gap to the European places.
United now sit eighth with 22 points, one spot above defending champions Liverpool on goal difference. West Ham remain in the relegation zone, sitting 18th with 12 points from 14 games.
