United looked set for back-to-back league wins when Diogo Dalot fired home a well-worked opener in the second half, a goal that briefly lifted the mood inside a stadium still uncertain about Amorim’s long-term project. But West Ham refused to fold, growing in confidence as United retreated deeper into their own half.

Their persistence paid off when 20-year-old Soungoutou Magassa rose highest to head in his first Premier League goal, stunning a United side who had been moments away from climbing to fifth in the table.

Instead, the Red Devils stalled in eighth place, missing the chance to gain ground on Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa. For Amorim, it was a moment of bitter disappointment and a reminder of the issues that continue to haunt his inconsistent team.

Speaking after the match, the United boss did not hold back. “The performance was not constant,” he said sharply. “We had good moments, but we lost control in the first half and again after we scored. When you go 1-0 up, you close the game. It was in our hands.”

Amorim admitted the team ignored instructions meant to help them see out the match, particularly regarding set pieces and second balls areas West Ham exploited relentlessly.

“We knew set pieces would be a problem with the height difference,” he added. “We said it, we worked on it, but we didn’t defend far from the box. We lost the ball too quickly after scoring, and we lost two points because of it.”

The most stinging criticism came when Amorim was asked why United failed to see the game out a recurring theme this season.

“Just losing second balls,” he said bluntly. “Long balls, transitions, Mateus Fernandes running. They win the first ball, Bowen makes the run, and suddenly you’re out of control.

“With the ball, we were poor after the goal. We had chances Cunha had a big one but the crosses are not good enough, the runs are not aggressive enough. Sometimes the characteristics we have in the box are not enough to score goals.”

The remarks are likely to spark debate among supporters, many of whom believe United’s playing style remains disjointed and overly cautious. Questions will also be raised about the mentality of the squad, with Amorim effectively accusing several players of failing to show the commitment necessary at key moments.

United now prepare for a Monday night trip to Wolves bottom of the league, winless in 14 matches, and already battling to avoid a historically disastrous season. On paper, it is the ideal opportunity for United to bounce back. But Amorim issued a warning rooted in Premier League history.

“Every game is important,” he said. “And there is no team in Premier League history that finished a season without winning a match. That win will come one day. We must make sure it is not against us.”

The pressure is mounting on the United boss after several high profile pundits, including Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, have criticised his tactical approach and squad management. Failing to beat a struggling Wolves side could spark a fresh wave of scrutiny, particularly with the club’s top-four hopes looking increasingly fragile.

The final whistle at Old Trafford brought a chorus of groans and scattered boos from supporters who felt a golden opportunity had slipped away. While the reaction was not overwhelmingly hostile, the disappointment was unmistakable mirroring a season where United’s progress has stalled repeatedly at crucial turning points.

Amorim’s post-match rant made clear he shares that frustration. But whether his players respond in the way he demands remains to be seen.