James Wood

Mon 15 March 2021 12:10, UK

Jamie Redknapp slaughtered the tactics of David Moyes as West Ham fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Manchester United.

The Hammers set up with an overly defensive structure as they travelled to Old Trafford. Ultimately it didn’t work, as they were defeated 1-0 courtesy of a Craig Dawson own goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp criticised the way West Ham lined-up, claiming it sends a negative message to the players. He said: “They’ve lost away to Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and both Manchester clubs now.

“If they want to go to that next level, that next step, they’ve got to find a way of getting results.

“They set up with five at the back. They were hoping they might get something on the counter-attack or a set-piece.

“I feel that if you’re going to set up that way it sends a message to the players. I’ve been in dressing rooms where the manager sets up the tactics and you think we’re holding out for a draw here, we’re going to die a slow death. That’s what they did today.

“I didn’t enjoy that West Ham performance.”

Spot on.

He’s not wrong. Admittedly, when we went to the Etihad we gave a great showing of ourselves. We pressed high up the pitch and really took the game to City, but the same can’t be said for our two fixtures with Liverpool, or our visits to Arsenal, Chelsea or United.

We’re fifth in the table for a reason. Why do we feel the need to show these teams so much respect and go with the aim to defend? Yes, we missed Lingard, but we’ve only had him for six matches.

It’s just so frustrating. United were weak, missing Pogba, Cavani, and Martial. Those are world-class players, it’s an opportunity missed. It sends a message to those around us also that we couldn’t take the opportunity.

We’ll be lucky to have another weekend in which Spurs and Everton lose and Chelsea drop points. This is one of the only times this season we’ve been frustrated by Moyes.

In other West Ham news, Aaron Cresswell is still hopeful of an England call-up.