In a tense Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on December 4, 2025, West Ham United snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester United, thanks to Soungoutou Magassa's 83rd-minute equaliser.
The result left Ruben Amorim's side frustrated, as they missed out on climbing into the top five, instead moving up to eighth place.
Manchester United had taken the lead just before the hour mark through Diogo Dalot, who capitalised on a deflected shot from Casemiro to slot home from close range.
The Portuguese full-back, operating as a wing-back in Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system, turned smartly and fired past Alphonse Areola to give the hosts what seemed like a deserved advantage after a dominant spell.
However, West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, refused to wilt.
The Hammers, languishing in the relegation zone, showed resilience and were rewarded late on. Substitute Andy Irving delivered a pinpoint corner, which Jarrod Bowen flicked on.
Although Noussair Mazraoui cleared off the line, the ball fell kindly to Magassa, who calmly finished to level the scores and silence the home crowd.
The match was a tale of missed opportunities for United, who started sluggishly but grew into the game.
Early on, Ayden Heaven, making his first league start of the season, picked up a booking, leading to his half-time substitution for Leny Yoro.
Joshua Zirkzee came close when his effort was cleared off the line by former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Bruno Fernandes clipped the post with an acrobatic attempt.
West Ham had their moments too, with Bowen posing a constant threat and Magassa slamming into the side netting early in the second half.
But it was their set-piece prowess that ultimately turned the game, turning the tables on a United side that prides itself on defensive solidity.
Team Lineups
Manchester United (3-4-3):
Lammens; Mazraoui, Heaven (Yoro 46'), Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes (c), Dalot (Dorgu 68'); Mbeumo, Cunha, Zirkzee.
Subs not used: Bayindir, Mount, Ugarte, Martinez.
West Ham United (4-2-3-1):
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Potts, Magassa; Fernandes, Soucek, Bowen (c); Wilson.
Subs: Irving (on for Potts), Kante, Kilman. Tomáš Souček returned to the starting XI for this fixture.
Post-Match Reactions
Ruben Amorim was visibly angry post-match, lamenting his team's inability to see out the game.
"We had good moments and we lost a little bit of control after the goal.
We should have closed the game when we scored the first one," he told Sky Sports.
"We couldn't maintain the ball after the goal. Losing second balls... We can control that kind of game."
Nuno Espirito Santo, on the other hand, was pleased with his side's fighting spirit.
"It's important because it's a tough place to come.
We are proud that we achieved something. It could have been three [points].
We are trying to build urgency with results," he said.
Former United captain Roy Keane was scathing in his assessment: "The last three or four games, that sums them up.
Not quite doing enough... This team is not ready to go fifth."
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen added: "We wanted to show a reaction" after their recent defeat to Liverpool.
Impact on the Table
The draw sees Manchester United climb above Liverpool into eighth, but they remain outside the European spots, having won just one of their last five games.
For West Ham, the point is valuable in their relegation battle, leaving them two points from safety and with eight points from their last five under Nuno.
Both sides will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, with United facing Wolves next.
