AFCON 2025
Jarrod Bowen scored a dramatic late penalty to help West Ham defeat Manchester United 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United looked the hungrier side to start the game and nearly broke the deadlock in the opening minutes, with Alejandro Garnacho smashing the crossbar.
Lukasz Fabianski denied Rasmus Hojlund from close range, while Bruno Fernandes headed over from Casemiro’s cross, as United continued to push for the opener.
Diogo Dalot missed the biggest opportunity of the half, rounding Fabianski only to fire high and wide when presented with a gaping net.
Those warning signs forced Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui into making three changes at half-time and West Ham suddenly had more control.
The Hammers were rewarded as they broke the deadlock through substitute Crysencio Summerville. A quick move saw Bowen’s cutback reach Danny Ings, whose shot redirected off Summerville for his first goal of the season.
United tried to respond, and some shaky West Ham defending gave them hope, with Joshua Zirkzee nodding the ball down for Casemiro to head home from close range.
Matthijs De Ligt was called for a trip to Danny Ings at the last minute of normal time. After a lengthy VAR review, Bowen converted the penalty, securing a crucial win.
