Manchester United created numerous chances but failed to make them count, eventually suffering their fourth defeat of the Premier League season, this time to West Ham on Sunday.

Alejandro Garnacho spurned a couple of glorious chances while Diogo Dalot’s miss will be replayed for years to come and eventually, the visitors allowed the Hammers into the contest.

And they made it count, scoring through Crysencio Summerville and a late Jarrod Bowen penalty after a controversial refereeing call.

United are languishing in 14th place, only seven points off the drop zone and it is surprising to see INEOS not pulling the plug on Erik ten Hag despite the disastrous start to the season.

Bruno’s presence sparked the attack

After the disappointing attacking display against Fenerbahce in midweek, the Red Devils were much brighter at the London Stadium, mostly due to Bruno Fernandes’ return to the team.

His exemplary pressing, exquisite vision and range of passing was on full display, as he sent quite a few through balls to Alejandro Garnacho who managed to fluff his lines consistently.

The Portuguese international had 96 touches of the ball and completed three key passes while also creating two big chances, both of which were missed by his teammates.

His goal drought also continued with the club captain missing one big chance himself. He had three shots blocked while a couple were off target.

Bruno needs to start firing

But he never gave up, completing seven long passes out of 10 attempts while winning three fouls for his team. And he, as usual, helped out defensively, winning five ground duels while making two clearances (all stats via sofascore).

There were audible groans at the end as the 30-year-old displayed his wasteful nature towards the end, as he mishit a cross while attempting a long-ranger during the dying moments of the game instead of trying to deliver inside the box.

Fernandes led his team’s offensive onslaught despite a few flaws, and his teammates and management need him to start playing well or else this season might finish worse than the last.

However, he and his club are just not succeeding, and the Red Devils are at the top of the list for missed opportunities. The players are obviously feeling the pressure, and the manager’s dismal record is largely to blame.