David De Gea error heaps pressure on Manchester United

Manchester United's narrow loss to West Ham puts them under pressure in top-four race. De Gea's error costs them as Hammers secure win.

Another David De Gea howler handed West Ham a huge advantage on Sunday. West Ham beat Manchester United 1-0. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Manchester United fell short once again at West Ham after a narrow loss to the Hammers on Sunday, a result that has now put them under pressure in the top-four race.

Erik Ten Hag restored Wout Werghorst to the starting lineup, with Marcus Rashford and Antony on his flanks.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro held forth in the middle of the park, and Tyrel Malacia and Aaron Wan Bissaka took the fullback spots.

West Ham came with full strength despite having a midweek match with AZ Alkmaar.

The Hammers needed a win to almost guarantee Premier League football next season, and as it stands, they look as good as safe with three games to go.

West Ham was quick to jump at United, and they kept pushing the United defence until a gap opened.

David De Gea remains one of the best players for Manchester United this season, but the howler in him remains their Achilles heel.

Said Benrahma strolled to the edge of the visitors’ box, and his tame effort, with little or no life, came off the gloves of the United keeper and sailed into the net.

That’s the fourth time United have conceded due to a De Gea error in all competitions this season.

Manchester United tried to respond to the goal they conceded. 

Antony had a couple of chances but fired wide on both occasions.

Marcus Rashford failed to impose himself on the game, and the Hammers seemed to plant a man on him at every point throughout the game.

The midfield battle was keenly contested, but Declan Rice and Tomas Coucek seemed to have the upper hand all evening.

Lukas Fabianski had fine stops to keep his clean sheet intact, and one of those was from inside his area late on in the game.

Rashford’s rare moments saw him muscle off a defender and fire on goal, but Fabianski tipped it over for a United corner.

Substitute Marcel Sabitzer also had his effort from a corner saved by the Pole in goal as the game hit the home stretch.

Manchester United’s away record is nothing to write home about, and once again, they fell short of glory.

Erik Ten Hag's men will now have to do it the hard way to fend off pressure from Liverpool and Brighton in the race to finish in the top four.