Alan Shearer credits Julen Lopetegui despite ‘Awful’ West Ham v Manchester United
Alan Shearer has praised Julen Lopetegui for making changes at half-time after an “awful” performance from West Ham in the first half against Manchester United.
The Hammers welcomed the Red Devils on 27 October in the Premier League and won 2-1 with goals from Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen late in the second half.
Before the break, Erik ten Hag’s team were on top and created several opportunities, but things changed when Lopetegui decided to bring on Jean-Clair Todibo, Tomas Soucek and Summerville, a decision Shearer gave the Spaniard credit for on The Rest Is Football [28 October].
“Well done to Lopetegui because his team were rotten in the first half. They were awful,” he said
“But he made three changes at half-time. Came out with a lot more energy. Created some more chances. Were much better in that second half.”
Julen Lopetegui on tight rope at West Ham
Lopetegui was appointed West Ham manager in the summer after David Moyes, a decision that has left some scratching their heads.
The Spaniard was expected to make certain changes at the Hammers upon his arrival, but the 58-year-old has struggled to implement his identity on the team.
With the last-gasp victory over Manchester United, the Irons have won just three Premier League fixtures in the current campaign.
Lopetegui has been under pressure over the last few weeks, and while this latest result helps, the performance wasn’t really encouraging.
The Spaniard’s bravery in making the three changes after the first half deserves praise, but the overall issues are still glaring, and the performance towards the end of the game won’t mask that.
Manchester United were arguably unlucky not to go into the break with a lead and the Irons were fortunate to be handed a penalty in stoppage time.
If the former Wolves manager cannot turn things around, it won’t be long before a change in the dugout.
In other West Ham news, Richard Keys has compared controversy after what he saw at the London Stadium recently
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