Nuno Praises Resurgent West Ham After Ending Man United Streak 2026

Key Points

• Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham United manager, expressed disappointment over a late equaliser conceded against Manchester United in the Premier League, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
• West Ham, featuring Mateus Fernandes in midfield, ended Manchester United’s four-match winning streak despite controlling much of the game.
• West Ham entered the match in strong form, winning four of their previous five games across all competitions, advancing in the FA Cup, and boosting relegation battle hopes.
• Manchester United arrived confident, sitting fourth in the standings with four straight victories, fielding Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
• Tomas Soucek scored for West Ham in the 50th minute to take a 1-0 lead; Manchester United equalised in the 96th minute via Benjamin Sesko after seven minutes of added time.
• Nuno praised his team’s competition, organisation, defensive work, and overall effort, noting they contained a strong United side effectively.
• West Ham showed resilience in bouncing back from setbacks, maintaining high standards, with Nuno urging continued belief in their approach.

London (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo voiced frustration after his resurgent side conceded a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to Manchester United, settling for a 1-1 Premier League draw at the London Stadium despite ending the visitors’ four-match winning streak. Tomas Soucek had put the Hammers ahead in the 50th minute, with the home team dominating proceedings and limiting United to scant chances. Nuno’s men, buoyed by four wins in their last five outings across competitions, showcased defensive solidity and midfield control led by Mateus Fernandes, though Benjamin Sesko’s late strike for United snatched a point after seven minutes of stoppage time.

What Led to West Ham’s Frustration in the Closing Moments?

Nuno Espírito Santo admitted the late concession was tough to swallow. As reported in the original coverage, Nuno stated:

“We’re disappointed of course, all of us – the players, the fans, ourselves… to take this final blow in the final moments of the game.”

He highlighted how West Ham competed admirably against a United team in fine form, having won four straight matches to sit fourth in the table. The Portuguese boss noted his side’s ability to contain Manchester United’s attacks, crediting the organisation and effort on display.

Despite the draw, Nuno praised the overall performance.

“But we competed really well. We’ve been able to contain a very good team that was in a good dynamic. I think we did a good game, the boys worked hard. But it was not to be. It’s a draw that gives us sadness. But this is the way. The way we competed today was very good,”

he added. West Ham’s recent resurgence was evident, with progression in the FA Cup and renewed hope in avoiding relegation.

How Did West Ham Demonstrate Defensive Strength?

West Ham coped superbly with Manchester United’s threats throughout the match. The Hammers reduced the Red Devils to few opportunities, particularly after Soucek’s opener on 50 minutes. Nuno commended the defensive aspect:

“You can see the quality, the effort of the players, the organisation. The way we started the second half was really positive, we scored and we defended really well, with some exceptions. But overall a very positive in the defensive aspect of the game.”

The home side also created chances to seal victory late on.

“And also in the final moments we had two or three moments where we should put the game to bed,”

Nuno reflected. Mateus Fernandes anchored midfield effectively, helping West Ham control proceedings against a United lineup featuring Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes. This performance underscored West Ham’s growing confidence, having won four of five prior games.

Why Was Manchester United’s Equaliser So Dramatic?

The equaliser came in the 96th minute after referee-added seven minutes of injury time. Benjamin Sesko struck for Manchester United, denying West Ham a deserved win. United had struggled to threaten after falling behind, but the extended stoppage allowed the breakthrough. Nuno described it as a “final blow,” leaving players, fans, and staff gutted.

Both teams arrived brimming with confidence. West Ham had reignited relegation fight hopes, while United’s four victories propelled them to fourth. Yet West Ham’s containment frustrated the visitors until the death.

What Does Nuno Say About West Ham’s Resurgence and Resilience?

Nuno emphasised the team’s bounce-back ability.

“We have been able to react, to bounce back from these difficult moments. The boys have been able to react and compete. There’s no other way. We have to keep on going,”

he declared. He affirmed their standards:

“Today we competed well. We showed the way, our standards are high. We have to keep them.”

Looking forward, Nuno instilled belief.

“We showed everybody today that we have to keep believing, because competing like this we’re going to be okay.”

This draw, though disappointing, highlighted West Ham’s upward trajectory under his guidance.

Who Were the Key Players in the Match?

Tomas Soucek emerged as the standout for West Ham, netting the opener in the 50th minute to spark celebrations. His goal came from sharp interplay, capitalising on United’s defensive lapse. Mateus Fernandes dictated midfield, enabling control that stifled Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot’s influences.

For Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko proved the hero-villain, rifling home in the 96th minute. His late intervention preserved United’s unbeaten run in a manner, though it halted their streak-ending loss.

How Does This Result Impact West Ham’s Season?

West Ham’s form signals resurgence. Four wins in five prior games, including FA Cup progress, positioned them strongly against relegation. Ending United’s streak, even via draw, boosts morale. Nuno’s comments reinforce positivity: competing at this level keeps them safe.

The point gained maintains momentum, though Nuno rued missed chances to win. Defensive lapses in added time aside, the performance met high standards.

What Context Surrounds Both Teams’ Form?

West Ham entered buoyant, winning four of five across competitions. FA Cup advancement and league revival defined their run. Manchester United, fourth-placed, rode four victories, with Dalot and Bruno Fernandes starring.

The London Stadium clash pitted resurgence against momentum. West Ham’s control suggested parity or better, until Sesko’s intervention.

Why Praise Despite the Draw?

Nuno balanced disappointment with acclaim. He lauded competition against a “very good team that was in a good dynamic.” Effort, organisation, and positivity shone through. Even in defeat’s shadow, the display warranted praise.

This mindset defines his leadership: react, compete, believe.