Manchester United’s £158.3m mistakes cost them again at West Ham

West Ham's best team in decades was not good enough to finish above Manchester United's worst team in decades two seasons ago. Now, West Ham are above United.

Four games without a goal, a -5 goal difference, eighth in the Premier League table and more defeats this season than in the entirety of last season constitute another crisis for United. The London Stadium will host a European knockout in the second half of the season and West Ham are another team in United's slipstream.

"Champions of Europe, we know what we are," the West Ham fans chanted inaccurately about their Europa Conference League triumph. The Cockneys were crowing again as full-time loomed with 'ole's.

ALSO READ: United player ratings vs West Ham

ALSO READ: Only one United centre back is certain of staying next season

One young United fan appeared to wipe away a tear and the lower section of the away end emptied rapidly long before the final shrill. United supporters are so drained of hope that late comebacks are now discounted.

The least Erik ten Hag could have done was acknowledge their support, however sparse the sight in the away end. Instead, he gruffly headed down the tunnel after shaking hands with the officials.

There was little chance of any of those on the tube missing a United goal. They have not scored in four successive matches for the first time since November 1992 and the drought now stands at six hours and 21 minutes. United's last attempt was a slice from Scott McTominay that was likelier to endanger a flying bird.

Thirty-one years ago, Alex Ferguson responded by signing Eric Cantona and United ended the season champions. Similar salvation is unlikely.

United find new ways to plumb new depths. Mohammed Kudus, a former Ajax left-footed