Manchester United’s hopes of challenging for the Women’s Super League title were dealt a crushing blow as they were held to a scrappy draw by West Ham.
Marc Skinner’s side, returning to league action following their League Cup final defeat by Chelsea at the weekend, struggled to find their footing as they dropped down to third place, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
United were also overtaken in the standings by Chelsea, who beat Brighton 2-1 on Wednesday, while Arsenal are just three points behind with two games in hand in a close fight for the Champions League places.
Skinner’s side found it difficult to cope with West Ham’s pressure, particularly in the first half, and rarely managed to produce any clear-cut chances.
United’s best moments came after the introduction of forward Melvine Malard from the bench in the 56th minute as she reinvigorated a lethargic frontline, but the Hammers dug deep to keep them at bay.
Despite being down at the wrong end of the table, the hosts had their chances, with Viviane Asseyi spurning a couple of efforts, including directing an free header straight at Red Devils goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
They pressed their opponents high up the pitch, overturning possession in midfield and causing problems with their pace on the flanks.
Neither side, though, were able to produce the necessary quality to break the deadlock.
Skinner said “barring a couple of counter-attacks”, he thought the game was one-sided.
And while he recognised United’s lack of attacking penetration, he felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Germany forward Lea Schuller was bundled to the ground.
“We were the dominant team in all territories but didn’t do much with it. That’s the reality,” he added.
“I genuinely think there was a stonewall penalty, I think if we have a VAR in this league it does affect [the game].”
West Ham moved three points clear of the relegation play-off place, although bottom side Leicester City have a game in hand.
