A calamitous error by David De Gea condemned Manchester United to a 1-0 loss against West Ham at the London Stadium which leaves their top-four hopes in jeopardy.
Said Benrahma’s tame, long-range effort in the first half should have been a routine save for the goalkeeper but despite getting a hand to it, he was unable to stop it from bobbling over the line.
Manchester United, beaten 1-0 by Brighton last time out and only a point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, appeared in control of the game before De Gea’s mistake but could ultimately have lost by a greater margin, with the hosts dominating much of the second half.
David Moyes’ side were denied what looked a clear penalty on the stroke of half-time when Victor Lindelof’s handball went unnoticed by on-pitch referee Peter Bankes and VAR Stuart Attwell decided not to intervene.
The decision ensured Erik ten Hag’s side remained in the game but West Ham withstood late pressure to claim a deserved victory which takes them to 37 points, easing their relegation fears in 15th place.
Manchester United, meanwhile, still have a game in hand on Liverpool, but their stuttering form has thrown the top-four race open.
More to follow.
What’s next?
West Ham host AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday. Kick-off 8pm. They then resume their relegation battle at Brentford on Sunday May 14 with kick-off at 2pm.
Manchester United have four games remaining to secure a place in the top four. They host Wolves on Saturday at 3pm, then head to Bournemouth on May 20 before finishing with two home games against Chelsea and Fulham.
West Ham’s remaining fixtures
May 11: AZ Alkmaar (H) – Europa Conference League, kick-off 8pm
May 14: Brentford (A) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm
May 18: AZ Alkmaar (A) – Europa Conference League, kick-off 8pm
May 21: Leeds (H) – Premier League, kick-off 1.30pm
May 28: Leicester City (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm
Man Utd’s remaining fixtures
May 13: Wolves (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
May 20: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
May 25: Chelsea (H) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
May 28: Fulham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm
June 3: Manchester City (N) – FA Cup final, kick-off 3pm