Manchester, Dec 5 (NationPress) Soungoutou Magassa’s inaugural goal for West Ham United secured a valuable point in a 1-1 stalemate with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

United created numerous opportunities, with Joshua Zirkzee having a shot cleared off the line, and Bruno Fernandes striking the post in the first half.

However, West Ham capitalized on a late set-piece, as Magassa’s clinical finish ensured they left Manchester with something to show for their efforts, according to Premier League reports.

United missed out on a chance to ascend to fifth place but managed to leapfrog Liverpool to reach eighth. Meanwhile, West Ham remains in 18th place, just two points adrift of Leeds United.

West Ham began the match with vigor but only managed a misdirected effort from El Hadji Malick Diouf after he was left unmarked during a corner.

Bryan Mbeumo had a curling shot tipped over the bar by Alphonse Areola, while Zirkzee’s quick finish was cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Fernandes then lashed a volley that narrowly missed hitting the left post.

At the other end, Jarrod Bowen posed a threat on the counter, weaving through defenders but seeing his weak shot deflect off Luke Shaw and into the gloves of Senne Lammens.

Manchester United finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Casemiro was pressured into a shot on the edge of the box, which deflected to Dalot, who deftly placed his shot into the bottom-left corner.

However, the hosts failed to extend their lead and were punished when an unmarked Magassa scored after Noussair Mazraoui cleared a flick-on from Bowen off the line, just seven minutes from the end.

Following the draw, United manager Ruben Amorim commented, “We had good moments, but we lost a bit of control after the goal. We should have closed the game when we scored the first one.”