West Ham inflict eighth Premier League loss of the season on dour Manchester United

West Ham 2 (Bowen 72, Kudus 79) Manchester United 0

Manchester United are out of the top six and into further trouble after limping to a 2-0 defeat at West Ham in which Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus showed them how to score goals.

Bowen, converted from winger to striker by David Moyes, hit the first in 72nd minute, turning home a fine through-ball from Lucas Pacqueta – that’s his 11th Premier League goal already this season.

Then Kudus, an impressive summer signing, raced through to finish superbly past Andre Onana seven minutes later – to leave lacklustre Manchester United facing another crisis following only one win in seven games in all competitions.

How United could do with players like those Hammers heroes - because once again they looked toothless – and with manager Erik Ten Hag under increasing pressure it could be an uncomfortable Christmas with Aston Villa next up at Old Trafford on St Stephen’s Day.

This result came on the back of a goalless draw at Anfield last weekend, which appeared to have at least stopped the rot in what has been a frustrating season.

But 24 hours after their deadly rivals Manchester City won the Club World Cup – their fifth trophy in the calendar year – United’s lack of identity and lack of attacking spark came back to haunt them.

After a turgid and listless first half they were blown away by the Hammers in the second period and not even the arrival of Marcus Rashford for the anonymous Rasmus Hojlund could spark them into life.

United had won plaudits in some circles for their draw at Anfield, producing a highly focused and organised defensive display.

But keeping that focus without a cutting edge of your own isn’t easy. That’s what Virgil van Dijk meant when he said that ‘only one