The Danish striker missed three clear chances, but the worst sight on a grim Sunday was the young French defender hobbling off the pitch
Manchester United were brought back down to earth after their euphoric passage to the Europa League final as they slumped to their first home defeat against West Ham in 18 years, going down 2-0 and sinking all the way to 16th in the Premier League table. And to make matters worse, they will almost certainly be without Leny Yoro in the final after the Frenchman limped off the pitch while looking utterly distraught having suffered a foot injury.
Former United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was in brilliant form against his old club, playing a huge role in Tomas Soucek's first-half opening strike and then setting up Jarrod Bowen to score the second goal. Bowen's goal further killed the mood after Yoro had been forced off and had to be comforted by Harry Maguire as he trotted down the tunnel, almost certainly believing he will miss the showdown in Bilbao against Tottenham on May 21.
United's European run has been the only good thing about their dire campaign and this defeat, their 17th of the season, was a reminder of how big a job Ruben Amorim faces in making his side a force again in the competition that matters the most.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
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Altay Bayindir (5/10):
Not culpable for either goal but did not transmit security at all. It says a lot that Andre Onana has been missed in almost every game he has sat out this season.
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Sold down the river by Wan-Bissaka's reverse pass for the opener and looked worn out throughout the game.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
A bit soft in the build-up to the opening goal but good on the ball. His game came to an end early in the second half and his season might be over too.
Luke Shaw (5/10):
Had an unremarkable game and was taken off in the 52nd minute.
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Amad Diallo (7/10):
The one player who the game seemed to matter to and the one player who looked capable of doing anything. Tested Areola in one of few United attempts in the first half and led their -admittedly poor – efforts to get back in it.
Manuel Ugarte (4/10):
Struggled in the midfield battle and lost the ball in his own half leading to West Ham's second.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Didn't make the most of a rare start, making very little happen and failing to stop West Ham's counters.
Harry Amass (4/10):
A further reminder that he is not yet ready for this level. Got barged out of the way by Soucek for the opener and lost the ball too often.
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Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
His usual fire was missing, although he was by no means the only one.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
His goal against Athletic was another false dawn as he was lacking in confidence as usual. Had three clear opportunities to score, but bungled them all.
Mason Mount (5/10):
A big comedown from his incredible substitute's appearance against Athletic. He did set up a good chance for Hojlund, but it was one of few memorable moments from him.
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Harry Maguire (6/10):
Added a threat in attack, forcing a good save from Areola with a header. Also provided some much-needed aggression in defence.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Unconvincing when trying to stop West Ham's second.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Gave United some urgency going forward but didn't get the rub of the green.
Patrick Dorgu (5/10):
Didn't have the desired impact.
Christian Eriksen (N/A):
Brought on in the 84th minute.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
Yet another home defeat, against one of the weakest teams in the league, does his reputation no favours. Yoro's injury is not his fault, but did he really need to play this game after having such a big role on Thursday?