Following Leeds United's unexpected win over Chelsea, Nuno Espirito Santo and his squad were desperate for three points.

No Paqueta for West Ham

Although they had been defeated by Liverpool in their previous match, the Hammers had gone unbeaten in their prior three games, arriving at the Theatre of Dreams with some confidence.

However, they were missing Lucas Paqueta, who was absurdly sent off against the Reds, with the Brazilian replaced by Tomas Soucek in West Ham's sole lineup change.

For the home side, concerns about Ruben Amorim's immediate future have lessened, and if the Red Devils could sustain their recent positive results and secure another win, they might finish as high as fifth by the end of the day.

Bruno Fernandes's 205th Premier League start meant he matched Nemanja Vidic for appearances among non-British or Irish outfield players (excluding goalkeepers), now trailing only Patrice Evra (265) and Mikael Silvestre (225) in this category.

Bruno leading by example

The Portuguese midfielder was a key factor in Man Utd dominating 72% possession early in the match, signaling trouble for the Hammers from the start.

Together with Casemiro, the midfield duo blocked any central breakthroughs, although the visitors had spotted a vulnerability on United's right flank and launched three early shots from that side.

Former United player, Aaron Wan Bissakahad already demonstrated his eagerness to advance in the first 20 minutes and recorded the highest number of touches on the field at that time.

His subsequent man-of-the-match display kept East Londoners competitive despite relentless United attacks.

Thirteen of his nineteen passes in the attacking third were successful (68%), and he completed all five of his dribbles.

He won nine out of thirteen ground duels and also cleared Joshua Zirkzee’s shot off the line to prevent a certain goal.

His outstanding performance both offensively and defensively was clearly evident.

Everything but scoring...

How the home team could have benefited from similar contributions.

Indeed, United's overall possession (64.9% versus 35.1%) far outstripped West Ham’s, but the team lacked enough players willing to put in the hard work.

The Irons’ 20 interceptions compared to only five by Man Utd spoke volumes.

That said, there was a stretch in the first half when the hosts did everything except score.

They took five shots within seven minutes, including Fernandes hitting the post—his 36th shot against West Ham without scoring—the highest number against any opponent as a United player without a goal.

By halftime, the hosts’ possession had risen to 84%, with 18 crosses attempted, yet this dominance failed to translate into goals, raising concerns.

Perfect Todibo

Still, the visitors remained solid, with Jean-Clair Todibo being the only player without a misplaced pass in the first 45 minutes.

The French defender formed a strong defensive shield alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos, providing the Hammers a foundation to build on, despite being overwhelmed at times.

Diego Dalot's 58th-minute goal was therefore unsurprising, though Nuno must be frustrated that his compatriot was left completely unmarked at the penalty spot to score.

As United continued pressing, Bruno was again heavily involved, creating five chances for the first time since facing Burnley.

To West Ham’s credit, they refused to give up, with Jarrod Bowen once again leading by example as captain.

His 12 touches inside the United box were at least eight more than any teammate, and his four shots doubled that of any other Hammer.

Magassa earns a point

Soungoutou Magassa’s seven recoveries of possession deserve recognition, and it was due to the Frenchman that his team secured a point as well.

His second touch inside the United box allowed him to finish a chance after Noussair Mazraoui's poor clearance attempt from a corner.

Conceding at the 83rd minute was ill-timed, and Amorim must be displeased that since last season began, only West Ham (17) have conceded more Premier League goals from corners than Man Utd (15).

The goal deflated the hosts, who had mostly controlled possession, allowing East Londoners to sit back and defend in the closing moments.

Bruno still had two attempts in injury time; however, United will likely regret dropping two points here.