Kick-off: Sunday, 11 May 2025 | 14:15 BST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Competition: Premier League – Matchweek 37
In the penultimate home fixture of the season, Manchester United hosted West Ham United at Old Trafford under the Manchester sun. While the Reds were looking to build momentum before their Europa League final, it was the Hammers who stole the show with a clinical and composed performance, claiming a deserved 2-0 win.
⚽ Final Score
| Team | Score | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 0 | — |
| West Ham United | 2 | Soucek (26’), Bowen (58’) |
🔍 Match Summary
Despite a spirited opening ten minutes from United, where Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo both went close, it was West Ham who gradually took control of the match. The first blow came in the 26th minute when Tomas Soucek bundled in Mohammed Kudus’s low cross, following a sharp combination down the left involving two former Reds: Aaron Cresswell and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
United’s energy dipped after conceding, and although Rasmus Højlund tried to respond with a couple of half-chances, the cutting edge was missing. The second half saw United push higher up the pitch, but West Ham’s resilience and counter-attacking threat paid off again. Wan-Bissaka, once again involved, dispossessed Ugarte and launched Kudus forward. His effort was deflected into space for Jarrod Bowen, who slotted home at the back post – a dagger through the heart for the Old Trafford faithful.
📊 Match Stats
| Statistic | Man United | West Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Shots (on target) | 15 (6) | 9 (4) |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 11 | 9 |
🧠 Tactical Breakdown
Manchester United:
Ruben Amorim’s decision to rotate the starting XI after a taxing Europa League semi-final proved costly. Although the midfield saw plenty of the ball, the final third lacked precision. Mount and Amad showed glimpses of creativity, but the cohesion wasn’t there. Set-pieces offered late hope, but Areola was in inspired form.
West Ham:
Graham Potter’s men executed a perfect away-day plan. Solid at the back, disciplined in midfield, and ruthless when needed. Wan-Bissaka, returning to the ground he once called home, was instrumental in both goals – a poetic twist for the travelling fans to savour. Kudus was electric, while Bowen’s finish was cool and composed.
🧍♂️ Standout Performers
- Mohammed Kudus (West Ham): A constant menace with his direct runs and vision. Two assists and several dangerous moments.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham): A dream return to Old Trafford. Involved in both goals and defensively solid.
- Alphonse Areola (West Ham): Denied Fernandes, Højlund and Maguire with outstanding stops. A clean sheet well earned.
📋 Player Ratings (Selected)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rasmus Højlund | 6.5 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 6.0 |
| Amad Diallo | 7.0 |
| Mohammed Kudus | 8.5 ⭐ |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | 8.0 |
| Alphonse Areola | 8.0 |
📈 What’s Next?
Manchester United turn their attention to the Europa League final in just over a week, where redemption awaits on the continental stage. As for West Ham, they leapfrog United into 15th place – a testament to the East London club’s resilience and late-season push under Potter.
For more in-depth insights, data, and analysis, LiveSportIQ.com remains your ultimate football intelligence hub. Stay tuned for tactical previews, player metrics and predictive models ahead of the final matchday.
🎙️ Written by a football fanatic, for football fanatics.