Manchester United – West Ham United: Solskjær’s Side Stumbles Against Stubborn West Ham United (1-1)

Manchester United looked to return to form after a disappointing FA Cup exit and this saw them return to their 4-2-3-1 shape. A bright start bore no fruit for United before they fell behind, requiring another special Greenwood moment to bring parity. Unforced errors in possession and West Ham United’s growth during the contest limited United’s ability to push on for the winner.
Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma.

With only two league games left to play, Manchester United’s recent FA Cup defeat to Chelsea needed to be quickly forgotten to ensure they did not falter in their hunt for Champions League football. They were level on points with their last-day opponents Leicester City. Victory in this clash would not have guaranteed qualification but would have provided some valuable breathing room. United’s visitors were in a completely different battle on the log. Despite their recent form lifting them to a more comfortable position, West Ham were still in the survival scrap. A point for them would ensure mathematical safety from relegation.

After they struggled with a formation change versus Chelsea, Ole Gunnar Solskjær reverted to United’s usual 4-2-3-1 shape. David De Gea continued in goal for the home side. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Brandon Williams were the fullbacks that flanked Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matić were the pair in midfield behind United’s array of attacking talent. Bruno Fernandes was the advanced midfielder with Mason Greenwood and . . .