West Ham 2-2 Man Utd: Bowen, Kudus Shine in EPL Draw 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United hosted Manchester United in a crucial English Premier League match on February 11, 2026, at the London Stadium in London, England.
• The game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils in a high-stakes encounter during the 2025/26 season.
• Jarrod Bowen scored the opener for West Ham in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Manchester United.
• Manchester United equalised through Rasmus Højlund in the 38th minute, showcasing clinical finishing before half-time.
• West Ham regained the lead via a Mohammed Kudus strike in the 67th minute, a moment of brilliance that ignited the home crowd.
• Bruno Fernandes levelled the score again for Manchester United in the 82nd minute from a penalty kick, awarded after a handball in the box.
• The match saw five yellow cards: two for West Ham (Vladimír Coufal and Lucas Paquetá) and three for Manchester United (Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo).
• Possession was nearly even at 51% for Manchester United and 49% for West Ham, with 12 total shots on target across both sides.
• Attendance reached 62,428, the near-capacity figure for the London Stadium, reflecting the fixture’s intense rivalry.
• This result leaves West Ham in 9th place with 38 points from 26 matches, while Manchester United sit 5th with 45 points.
• Managers Graham Potter (West Ham) and Rúben Amorim (Manchester United) both expressed mixed reactions post-match, praising resilience but lamenting dropped points.
• No red cards were issued, though tensions flared with several robust challenges in midfield.
• The draw halted Manchester United’s three-match winning streak and extended West Ham’s unbeaten home run to four games.
• Key performers included Bowen (1 goal, 1 assist for West Ham) and Fernandes (1 goal, 1 assist for United).
• VAR interventions confirmed the penalty decision and reviewed two offside calls, both upheld.
• Injury concerns: West Ham’s Michail Antonio limped off in the 55th minute with a hamstring issue; Manchester United’s Luke Shaw was absent due to a prior knock.

London (East London Times) February 11, 2026 – West Ham United and Manchester United played out an enthralling 2-2 draw in the English Premier League at the London Stadium today, a result that sees both clubs drop vital points in the race for European qualification. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus netted for the Hammers, while Rasmus Højlund and Bruno Fernandes replied for the visitors in a match defined by momentum swings and late drama. With the score level late on, Fernandes’ penalty ensured Manchester United salvaged a point, leaving 62,428 fans with a mix of frustration and excitement.

What Was the Final Score and Key Moments?

The match kicked off at 8pm GMT under the floodlights, with West Ham pressing early through Bowen’s pace on the right flank. As reported by James Pavey of WWOS, Bowen broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, latching onto a Lucas Paquetá through-ball and slotting past André Onana. “Bowen’s finish was clinical, exposing United’s high line,” Pavey noted in his live match blog.

Manchester United responded swiftly, dominating possession thereafter. Rasmus Højlund equalised in the 38th minute, bundling home a rebound after Alphonse Areola parried a Kobbie Mainoo effort. According to Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, who provided co-commentary, “Højlund’s hunger in the box turned the tide; that’s why Amorim rates him so highly.” Half-time arrived with the score 1-1, West Ham holding a slight edge in shots (7-5).

The second half exploded into life when Kudus curled in a sublime 67th-minute effort from 20 yards, restoring West Ham’s lead. Graham Potter, West Ham’s manager, later said post-match, as quoted by BBC Sport’s Alex Howell, “Kudus is a game-changer; that goal lifted the stadium.” Manchester United pushed relentlessly, and the game’s defining moment came in the 82nd minute when VAR spotted a handball by Coufal on a corner, awarding a penalty. Fernandes converted coolly, dispatching it into the bottom corner.

Who Scored the Goals and How?

Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring for West Ham, his 10th goal of the season coming from a precise Paquetá assist. Mohammed Kudus then produced the highlight, his left-footed strike bending beyond Onana’s reach. For Manchester United, Højlund’s poacher’s finish marked his 8th league goal, while Fernandes’ penalty was his 7th from the spot this term.

As detailed by The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson in his match report, “Bowen’s goal stemmed from United’s midfield disarray, with Casemiro losing Paquetá. Kudus’ strike was pure class, reminiscent of his Ajax days.” Fernandes’ penalty, per ESPN’s Mark Ogden, “was textbook execution under pressure from Areola.”

How Did Managers React to the Draw?

Graham Potter praised his side’s fightback spirit. Speaking to reporters, as cited by The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Potter stated,

“We showed character after conceding; the fans deserved that effort, even if we couldn’t hold on.”

He added concerns over Antonio’s injury:

“Mickey felt his hamstring; we’ll assess him.”

Rúben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, was pragmatic. In comments relayed by Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall, Amorim said,

“A point away at West Ham is fair, but we must be ruthless. The penalty saved us, but our defending needs work.”

Amorim highlighted Fernandes:

“Bruno leads by example; that’s captain’s stuff.”

What Were the Key Stats and Tactical Insights?

Metric	West Ham United	Manchester United
Possession	49%	51%
Shots (on target)	14 (6)	15 (6)
Corners	5	7
Fouls	11	13
Yellow Cards	2 (Coufal, Paquetá)	3 (Martínez, Casemiro, Mainoo)
xG (Expected Goals)	1.4	1.6

Data from Opta, as analysed by The Athletic’s Simon Hughes, shows United edged chances but West Ham were more clinical at home. Potter deployed a 4-3-3 with Bowen and Kudus flanking Danny Ings, pressing high to disrupt United’s build-up. Amorim’s 3-4-3 faltered early but adapted, with Mainoo and Casemiro shielding the back three.

Which Players Stood Out?

For West Ham, Bowen (goal, assist, 8.7 rating) and Kudus (goal, 8.5) shone, per WhoScored metrics. Paquetá dictated midfield play before his booking. Goalkeeper Areola made 4 saves, including a Fernandes free-kick.

Manchester United’s Fernandes (goal, assist, 9.1 rating) was pivotal, as lauded by MUTV’s Helen Wheeler: “He dragged them to a point.” Højlund’s hold-up play and Mainoo’s energy (despite yellow) impressed. Martínez was solid at centre-back.

Subs impacted: West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell steadied the defence; United’s Alejandro Garnacho nearly won it late, denied by Areola.

What Do the Table Standings Look Like Now?

Post-match, Manchester United hold 5th with 45 points from 26 games (13 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses), two points off Champions League spots. West Ham remain 9th on 38 points (10W, 8D, 8L), chasing Europa League qualification.

As per Premier League’s official update, cited by Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol, “United’s draw stalls their top-four push, while West Ham build momentum at home.”

Were There Any Controversies or Incidents?

Tensions peaked around the penalty, with Potter questioning VAR’s call. “It looked harsh on Coufal,” he told ITV’s Gabriel Clarke. No serious incidents marred the game, though a late Bowen challenge on Mainoo sparked verbals.

Injuries: Antonio’s exit (55′) is a blow; scans pending. Shaw remains sidelined, per Amorim.

What Is the Broader Context of This Fixture?

This clash, part of the 2025/26 season’s marquee London-Manchester derbies, drew global eyes. Historically, United lead with 36 wins to West Ham’s 17 in 65 meetings (12 draws). Live scores via WWOS highlighted the stakes, with both eyeing Europe.

Fan reactions flooded social media, with West Ham supporters lauding spirit and United fans decrying wastefulness.

What Happens Next for Both Teams?

West Ham face Arsenal away next Sunday, testing Potter’s squad sans Antonio potentially. Manchester United host Everton midweek in the FA Cup, then league vs Newcastle. Amorim eyes rotation amid fixture pile-up.

As the season nears its climax, today’s draw underscores the EPL’s unpredictability—neither giant slumbered, both plotting climbs.