THE FUSE

While the ticket row simmered off the pitch, United endured another dispiriting night on it, surrendering a lead at Old Trafford and failing to climb into the Premier League’s top five. A 1-1 draw with West Ham, who have won just once away from home all season, left Ruben Amorim visibly furious at his team’s lack of composure and control. Diogo Dalot’s crisp strike midway through the second half seemed to have set United on course for an important victory, only for Soungoutou Magassa to punish slack defending from a corner in the closing stages. The dropped points follow United’s shock defeat to 10-man Everton in their previous home match, deepening concerns about the team’s inconsistency. United were flat, unimaginative and fragile under pressure, especially with Bruno Fernandes struggling to influence proceedings.