Manchester United 0-2 West Ham: Graham Potter's vision clicks as Hammers battle to rare Old Trafford victory | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim again failed to match his European form in the Premier League

West Ham arrested an eight-game winless run on Sunday, scoring either side of halftime through Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen to condemn an uninspiring Manchester United to a 17th Premier League defeat of the season.

Ruben Amorim must come up with the answers to more difficult questions, though, as his side missed an opportunity to build much-needed momentum ahead of the Europa League final.

Another home disappointment for Manchester United

AFP via Getty Images

The pace of play in the first half was markedly lethargic under the baking Manchester sun. United were cautious in their approach, enjoying plenty of early possession and finding themselves in threatening positions, but generally opting against crossing to the patiently waiting Rasmus Hojlund.

Amad Diallo, making his first start since recovering from injury, was the one player inclined to take risks, going close with a pair of curling efforts as he kept Aaron Wan-Bissaka on his heels.

Beyond his efforts, though, Man United’s only notable goal threat before the break came from a pair of speculative long-range strikes courtesy of Bruno Fernandes and Hojlund, neither of which worried Alphonse Areola.

West Ham defended effectively and were equally efficient in possession. A rejuvenated James Ward-Prowse, back in favour under Potter, was pulling the strings, linking up effectively with Wan-Bissaka and Mohammed Kudus, who was responsible for the cross which Soucek tapped home to open the scoring with 26 minutes gone.

Wan-Bissaka impressed on his return to Old Trafford

Getty Images

The situation went promptly from bad to worse for the hosts after the break. Manuel Ugarte was caught dawdling as United looked to play out from the back, allowing West Ham to break three-on-three.

Wan-Bissaka, enjoying his return to Old Trafford, pounced after Kudus’ shot was blocked, squaring for Bowen to finish past the scrambling United back line, netting his 11th goal of the season.

In a further injury blow to Man United, who were already without some key players coming into the tie, Leny Yoro went down injured off the ball early in the second period. Amorim will be sweating on his fitness with the Europa League final less than two weeks away. Hojlund also suffered a knock in the second half, but played on.

United were valiant as they looked to respond to West Ham, and while they applied good pressure, they were routinely frustrated by Areola. The Frenchman twice denied Hojlund from close range as the clock wound down, forcing him wide from a counter before later flashing across goal to deny him again.

Man United piled yet more pressure, and West Ham appeared to be cracking, but 31 crosses, 20 shots, and eight corners ultimately amounted to nought for the hosts. West Ham battled to the end, preserving a clean sheet to record a first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2007.