Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over a contentious VAR decision in the latest 2-1 defeat to West Ham, marking another setback for his team in the Premier League. The result leaves United in 14th place, trailing the top sides after a slow start to the season.
West Ham secured victory at the London Stadium through Jarrod Bowen’s penalty in stoppage time. The penalty was awarded after VAR intervened, deeming Matthijs de Ligt’s contact with Danny Ings in the box worthy of a spot-kick. The call stirred debate, with Ten Hag questioning VAR’s decision-making consistency.
“Before the season they explained the process of VAR – only when (it is) clear and obvious they should interfere,” Ten Hag said. “What they didn’t do against Spurs, that was a wrong decision. Now they make a wrong decision interfering and both have big impact on the games. I don’t criticise the personnel, I criticise the process.”
The defeat comes after a series of challenges for Ten Hag’s side. Crysencio Summerville put West Ham ahead, capitalizing on a rare counterattack before Casemiro equalized. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, United struggled to convert, with misses from Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes contributing to the final outcome.
Manchester United’s scoring has been a persistent issue this season, with just eight goals in nine games—their lowest tally at this stage in the Premier League era. They have won only three league matches so far and drawn all three games in the Europa League, intensifying scrutiny on Ten Hag’s position.
However, Ten Hag pointed to recent improvements, noting positive performances against Brentford and Fenerbahce in recent fixtures. “At this moment the luck is definitely not on our side. Last season was not different and near the end we turned it around,” he added. “We are so determined it will be the same (this season). We have to turn this around and it will turn around if we keep playing like we are now.”
Despite signs of improvement, Ten Hag’s challenge remains in converting these performances into consistent wins as United attempt to reverse their fortunes in both the Premier League and Europa League.
