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Manchester United suffered another embarrassing defeat as West Ham United thoroughly dominated them at the London Stadium this evening. Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic scored even as Victor Lindelof scored an own goal to make it three for Manuel Pellegrini's side. Marcus Rashford scored for United, but couldn't prevent another shambolic defeat for Jose Mourinho and his team.
Here are the 5 major talking points and tactical analysis from the match:
#5: West Ham United dominate and capitalize early on
Right from the start, Manchester United were pegged back by a series of dominating passing moves from West Ham United. United didn’t press, neither were they able to recover the possession when the ball was near the box.
Usually, the team applies a ‘mid-block’ strategy, but even that did not work today as the Hammers clearly looked more commanding in possession.
Mark Noble and Declan Rice released the wingers whenever there was an opportunity. Similarly, Marko Arnautovic asserted his physical dominance inside the box.
Accordingly, Pablo Zabaleta charged ahead on the right flank on one of the released deliveries through the centre and delivered a low cross to Felipe Anderson. The left-winger cheekily flicked it in and the Hammers got a deserved lead very early in the game.
#4 No substantial reaction from Manchester United
Manchester United have started games on an unconvincing note this season. They look a bit lethargic in the beginning and gradually grow into the games.
However, that sort of reaction was completely missing today. There was no intent from the players. They failed to string passes together and the Hammers stormed ahead whenever they sniffed an opportunity.
Manuel Pellegrini had a definite tactic, as West Ham pounced on any opportunity and caused chaos in an already meek United backline. Meanwhile, United’s midfielders looked short on creative ideas whenever they had possession of the ball.
There were no intricate, accurate passes and the gameplay was awry whenever they reached the opposition’s penalty box.
#3 Cracks in United wide open and visible
Whilst West Ham were absolutely commanding with their style of play, United still had a chance to equalize in the first half and carry momentum into the halftime break.
Anthony Martial fluffed a chance and Romelu Lukaku conceded possession when Martial could have been released in a very enticing chance in the first half. However, West Ham continued to look for another goal, as United were lethargic and wasteful in possession.
The decisive moment arrived in the 43rd minute when Andriy Yarmolenko found space inside the box with the ball at his feet. Astonishingly, none of the United players except Nemanja Matic showed the willingness to close him down.
Yarmolenko tried to chip the ball in but Victor Lindelof’s mistimed block meant that the ball looped inside the goal. The Hammers walked into the tunnel at halftime with extra momentum and confidence by their side.
#2 Miserable second half for United as things turn worse
Over the years, United have been synonymous with bouncing back from losing situations and snatching a victory through their ruthless winning mentality. If there was a lack of quality, they compensated with their tendency to fight until the final whistle.
However, everything that has been associated with United or even Jose Mourinho’s teams was lacking today. The playing style was abysmal, there was no other route through which they looked to reduce the deficit and the players were clearly confused on the field.
In this situation, the only way to restore sanity would have been by capitalizing on set-pieces. However, Ashley Young failed to clear the first opposition player in front of him whilst crossing the ball and the corners were terrible.
Marcus Rashford’s finish raised some hopes for United but Marko Arnautovic’s goal completely dismantled them.
Chris Smalling and Scott McTominay was caught ball watching when Mark Noble’s well-timed pass was met by Marko Arnautovic.
#1 The time has come
Manchester United started this season on a disappointing note, but a resurgence of sorts a couple games down the line indicated that the club could finally be heading in the right direction.
However, as has been the case with pretty much everything in Mourinho’s regime, United failed to produce any sort of consistency and have lost twice and drawn once in the previous three matches. This includes a woeful defeat to Derby County at Old Trafford that sent the club crashing out of the Carabao Cup.
Mourinho wasn’t delivered the players he wanted in the transfer market. However, these results do not show how luring a Toby Alderweireld would have changed their fortunes.
United have been hit with inconsistent star players who hardly break a sweat at times and a manager who is increasingly looking short on ideas and excuses. The structure of the board is to be condemned and bringing in a Director of Football is essential.
However, a change might be needed. Maybe, the time has come for Jose Mourinho to leave.
