"That is the only thing we miss" – Erik ten Hag highlights one thing that cost Manchester United in defeat against West Ham United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed the one thing that his team lacked during their 2-1 Premier League away loss at West Ham United this Sunday (October 27).

The Red Devils slumped down to 14th place after tasting their fourth league defeat of the 2024-25 campaign at London Stadium. They threatened the Hammers' goal 18 times with five of them being on target, but missed four of their five big chances earlier this weekend.

West Ham summer signing Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the 74th minute before Casemiro headed in the equalizing goal seven minutes later. Jarrod Bowen scored a penalty in the second minute of injury time to end the contest in a dramatic manner.

After the end of the game, Ten Hag suggested that Manchester United were better than Julen Lopetegui's outfit but rued his team's poor finishing in front of goal. The Dutchman said (h/t manutd.com):

"Football is not always the best team winning. Today, it's very obvious and clear. Today, we were far better than the opponent and there are two things: we didn't score and it was a very poor decision from the referee [to give a penalty to West Ham after Matthijs de Ligt fouled Danny Ings]... on-field and definitely also off-field."

Opining on his team's glaring weakness, Ten Hag concluded:

"I think we played very good football. The first hour... it was really enjoyable to watch our team. So dynamic, so much variation, so creative, so many chances. That is the only thing we miss... killing in front of the goal. Sometimes you are in this pattern and you have to break the pattern but it will come because our players are clinical and they can be relentless in front of the goal, so it will come."

So far this season, Manchester United have netted just eight goals in nine Premier League games. Only Crystal Palace and Southampton have netted fewer goals (6) than the Red Devils in the league so far.

Manchester United keen to sign teenager

According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are keen to rope in Sunderland star Chris Rigg in the future. New co-owners INEOS have identified the teenager as an ideal addition to their squad as they are interested in injecting young blood into the Red Devils' current ranks.

Rigg, 17, has established himself as a vital starter for Sunderland since making his senior debut in January 2023. He has scored six goals in 38 matches, including 21 starts, across all competitions for his team.

Should Rigg seal a move to Manchester United, he would act as a talented backup to Kobbie Mainoo in either a number six or number eight role.