MANCHESTER – Manchester United’s challenging Premier League season continued with a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result further overshadowed by a potentially significant foot injury to defender Leny Yoro ahead of their Europa League final.
Goals in each half from Tomas Soucek and captain Jarrod Bowen secured a deserved victory for West Ham, their first in nine league matches. For Manchester United, the loss extends their winless streak in the Premier League to seven games, equalling a club record set in 1992, though the current run features five defeats compared to two in the earlier sequence.
Of immediate concern to United manager Ruben Amorim will be the condition of Leny Yoro. The French defender sustained a foot injury that saw him leave the field visibly distressed and head directly to the dressing room. Shortly after, fellow defender Luke Shaw was also substituted, possibly as a precautionary measure given Yoro’s potential unavailability for the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21.
Manchester United, who started five players expected to feature in the final, struggled to create clear opportunities. Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire were denied by notable saves from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
This latest defeat ensures United can finish no higher than 13th in the Premier League, marking their poorest league campaign since the 1973-74 season when they were relegated. Manager Ruben Amorim had acknowledged before the match that his team had little to gain from their remaining league fixtures, with their season’s success now heavily reliant on the outcome of the Europa League final, which offers a route into next season’s Champions League.
The performance highlighted ongoing concerns for United, with several key players, including recent two-goal hero Mason Mount and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, failing to make a significant impact. The club is reportedly considering attacking reinforcements for next season, with Matheus Cunha of Wolves and Liam Delap of Ipswich linked as potential targets. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, despite a late save from James Ward-Prowse, is also reportedly expected to depart at the end of the season.
For West Ham, the victory offers a positive note as they look towards a period of transition under manager Graham Potter. Several veteran players, including Aaron Cresswell, are set to leave the club at the end of their contracts. Mohammed Kudus was influential for the visitors, involved in the build-up to both goals.
Manchester United have two Premier League fixtures remaining before their focus shifts entirely to the Europa League final.
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