Man United lose again, West Ham nearly safe in Premier League

LONDON — Manchester United lost a Premier League game for the second time in four days as they were beaten 1-0 by West Ham at London Stadium.

– REPORT: Man United lose at West Ham thanks to De Gea error

After losing at Brighton on Thursday, United dropped more points in the race for the top four after David de Gea’s howler gifted West Ham a victory that all but ensures their Premier League survival, with 37 points traditionally good enough to avoid relegation.

Erik ten Hag’s team started well and had a host of chances in the opening 15 minutes, but West Ham took a lead in the first half and held on tight when Said Benrahma’s weak shot from 20 yards was palmed into his own net by De Gea.

Rapid reaction

1. Man United limping towards the end of the season

The good news for United is that if they win their remaining three home games against Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham, they’re in the Champions League next season. The bad news is that they look like a team who have run out of steam at exactly the wrong moment.

This was their 57th game of a grueling campaign and it’s beginning to show, with just three wins from their past eight games in all competitions — one was on penalties in the FA Cup semifinal after a 0-0 draw with Brighton. The finish line cannot come soon enough. Liverpool are just a point behind in the race for the top four, but United have a game in hand and should still be favourites to qualify for the Champions League. It will concern some that this battle has suddenly become a lot more nerve-wracking than it should have been.

West Ham, meanwhile, have reached 37 points and should now be safe from the drop. The timing is perfect ahead of their Europa Conference League semifinal first leg against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday: David Moyes should be able to throw…