United Beyond Manchester

A second-half comeback at Crystal Palace left fans thinking that the Everton defeat could be an outlier after a solid run of form leading up to the international break. A home draw to West Ham, who leveled the match with less than ten minutes to go, says otherwise.

Below, we take a look at each player’s performance, from the makeshift backline to the struggling attack.

Starting Eleven

Senne Lammens: 6 – It was another concession that Senne Lammens could do nothing about. He continues to be a presence in the air, but will be frustrated to see a clean sheet slip away.

Noussair Mazraoui: 7 – Mazraoui defended well in a deeper role than his last outing. The Moroccan is more comfortable in the back three than on the wing, and contributed with three clearances, two blocked shots, and a tackle. He recovered into a smart position to clear the ball off the line from a West Ham corner, but was unlucky to see it fall straight to Soungoutou Mangassa for West Ham’s equalizer.

Ayden Heaven: 5 – Heaven picked up an early yellow card, which rattled the young defender starting for the first time in the Premier League this season. He settled in a little bit more before halftime, but found himself subbed off at halftime as a second yellow risk.

Luke Shaw: 7 – Shaw was quality on the left side of the defense, winning both of his tackles and clearing once. His ability to progress by dribbling or passing allows United to move forward at pace on his side. Unfortunately, the attackers ahead of him could do nothing with the ball in this one.

Amad Diallo: 7 – Amad was the lone consistent danger man for the Reds, with three key passes and a big chance created. His movement down the line helped create the somewhat lucky Dalot goal, but without him, United might have dropped all three points.

Casemiro: 6 – Casemiro was far more active defensively than he has been in recent matches. He logged three blocked shots, five recoveries, two tackles, a clearance, and an interception.

Bruno Fernandes: 5 – Two years ago, this is a match that United would have won. Why? Because Bruno Fernandes was clinical and decisive when he needed to be. The captain had late chances against West Ham and lacked the composure to take the opportunity. If United wants to push for Champions League qualification, Bruno needs to be better when it counts.

Diogo Dalot: 8 – Dalot put in an improved performance and was heavily involved down the left-hand side. His excellent touch, turn, and finish inside the box gave United the lead and him a first goal of the season.

Bryan Mbeumo: 5 – After struggling against Crystal Palace, Mbeumo again failed to impact the game against West Ham. His passing was poor and, outside of one saved strike, never threatened Areola’s goal.

Matheus Cunha: 4 – Cunha underperformed in his return from injury, never really putting the Hammers’ defense off. His one big opportunity was blocked, along with the other two shots he took in the match.

Joshua Zirkzee: 5 – Zirkzee was unlucky not to find the net with an improvised thigh shot that Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared off the line. The Dutchman still struggled to hold onto the ball at times, but put in an improved overall effort.

Substitutes

Leny Yoro: 6 – Yoro settled the back line down after Heaven struggled in the first half. He won both of his duels and his line tackle.

Patrick Dorgu: 5 – Dorgu offered little after coming on, and, as his manager said, looked like he lacked confidence on the ball.

Mason Mount: 5

Manuel Ugarte: 5

Lisandro Martinez: NR

Man of the Match: Diogo Dalot