Form guide & next five matches following West Ham defeat

Manchester United made it two defeats in one week on Sunday evening, falling to West Ham United at London Stadium.

The Red Devils were made to rue a David de Gea mistake in the first half, losing 1-0 thanks to said error from the goalkeeper.

Looking for maximum points in the closing stages of Erik ten Hag’s inaugural campaign as United boss, here’s how his side’s run-in looks.

Manchester United have faced hardship and delight in cup competitions recently, but their form otherwise has been all over the shop.

They were dumped out of the Europa League by Spanish side Sevilla, but their cup fate flipped on its head as Victor Lindelof’s penalty sealed an FA Cup shootout victory over Brighton to send United into the final.

A draw, win and loss then followed, beginning with a game of two halves against Tottenham. United were in cruise control at 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time, but Spurs’ second-stage reply levelled proceedings ten minutes shy of the final whistle.

Two 1-0s, one in favour of Ten Hag’s men and one in favour of Brighton, then increased the nerves around Old Trafford.

Man Utd followed up their defeat to Brighton with another away defeat at the hands of West Ham on Sunday evening in the Premier League.

Manchester United vs Wolves – Premier League

Many inside Old Trafford will be optimistic of a Raphael Varane return here, though United’s makeshift central defensive partnership has thrived of late.

Wolves need just a win or two from now until the end of this term to retain their Premier League credibility, but this will be no easy feat. United have conceded the least goals on home soil in the league this season, and the visitors have scored the second-fewest away from home.

These two records go hand-in-hand and United may well make this one look like a walk in the park.

Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Premier League

Bournemouth away continues United’s fairly kind end to this season. That’s compared to others, anyway.

Saying that, United’s form away from home provides very dismal reading, though that statistic is mainly reflective of games against those in the top half of the Premier League table, which Bournemouth are thankfully not.

Gary O’Neill’s side may provide quite the stumbling block for United, though, as their escape from the relegation battle epitomises what the south coast side are about.

Manchester United vs Chelsea – Premier League

If recent form is anything to go by, Chelsea may be one of United’s simpler matches as they look to nail down Champions League qualification.

All the last five meetings between the two have ended in draws, but United’s unpredictability may leave the door ajar for Frank Lampard’s side to shock the hosts with a win.

Any victories between now and the end of the season will be helpful in their ‘bid to avoid relegation’. Though it is mathematically possible, the likelihood of Chelsea playing their football in the second division next season is incredibly low.

That won’t stop fans of other clubs poking fun, mind.

Read the latest Man Utd news here

Manchester United vs Fulham – Premier League

Placings at both ends of the league table will be decided on the final day, but United should have wrapped up a top four spot by the time Fulham visit, leaving this as contest with little to nothing to play for.

Alejandro Garnacho, who struck a dramatic winner in the return fixture, may have returned from his injury by late May and the youngster would love to wrap up his breakthrough season with a positive contribution.

However, with Champions League football expected to be secured and a trip to Wembley to face their local rivals Manchester City on the horizon, it is expected that Ten Hag will make some wholesale changes when they face the west Londoners.

Manchester City vs Manchester United – FA Cup final

Yes, United will enter this one as the heavy outsiders, but that may play into their hands, especially if some of their MVPs are given a much-needed rest against Fulham.

After all, it’s a final and anything can happen, but United will have to hope Erling Haaland leaves his shooting boots on the bus if they are to add another trophy to their haul.

In domestic proceedings, both sides have won one apiece, but City’s destructive 6-3 victory serves as a reminder of what may come United’s way if they’re not at the races.

City are in a vein of form like no other and chasing a treble of their own.