Manchester, 5 December (H.S.): Manchester United were forced to settle for a disappointing 1–1 draw against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Thursday, squandering an opportunity to climb into the Premier League’s top five. The late equaliser by Soungoutou Magassa saved West Ham from another defeat but still left them languishing in the relegation zone.

The first half remained largely uneventful, with both sides failing to create clear chances. United finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Diogo Dalot found the net, capitalising on a deflected shot from Casemiro.

For much of the second half, United appeared to be heading for a narrow win, but West Ham found their way back into the game late on.Seven minutes before the final whistle, Jarrod Bowen’s header was blocked on the goal line by Mazraoui, only for Magassa to smash the rebound home, levelling the score.

The goal stunned the home crowd, with boos echoing around Old Trafford as the full-time whistle blew.Manchester United now sit eighth in the table with 22 points, while West Ham remain 18th with 12 points — two behind 17th‑placed Leeds United.

West Ham dominated early possession during the first half but struggled to pose any real threat upfront. United slowly gained rhythm as the half progressed. Bryan Mbeumo’s looping strike was brilliantly tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Moments later, Amad Diallo’s cross into the box fell for Joshua Zirkzee, whose attempt was cleared off the line by former United defender Aaron Wan‑Bissaka — who played a key defensive role throughout the half.Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled United’s advantage late on but squandered two opportunities, leaving the Red Devils’ fans frustrated as their side dropped crucial points once again.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar