Manchester United dropped crucial points in the Champions League race and West Ham secured its safety in the Premier League after the two clubs drew 1-1 on Wednesday.
The real story out of the feisty tie was Paul Pogba’s questionable decision making that led to the Hammers’ goal.
West Ham took the lead moments before halftime courtesy of Pogba pulling the most youth soccer move you’ll ever see at the highest level of the sport. Pogba was clearly caught off guard during a West Ham free kick and instinctively chose to protect his face.
Twitter had an absolute field day with Pogba.
Pogba when the free kick came in pic.twitter.com/iqu91911k3
— (@CfcDylxn) July 22, 2020
Pogba said: pic.twitter.com/cqqUhm9hqj
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) July 22, 2020
Man Utd have finally found an answer to their goalkeeping problems. It's Paul Pogba. pic.twitter.com/FA5VmU64uE
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) July 22, 2020
Even penalty scorer Michail Antonio had a laugh with Pogba’s teammate Bruno Fernandes. The Frenchman looked less than pleased.
Michail Antonio saw the funny side of Paul Pogba's handball
Paul Pogba did not pic.twitter.com/raKP5qESqo— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) July 22, 2020
Pogba's mistake would prove to be devastating for Manchester United.
Some exquisite link-up play between Anthony Martial and youngster Mason Greenwood led to the teenager leveling the score.
EVEN AT 1.@masongreenwood finds the back of the net. #MUNWHU pic.twitter.com/KvWDKXmeKN
— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 22, 2020
A Manchester comeback wasn’t in the cards as West Ham fought gallantly to protect its one point and future in the Premier League next season.
The draw took Manchester United to third in the table for the moment as Chelsea still has to play the champion Liverpool on Wednesday. The Red Devils’ final match of the season will be a crucial, season-deciding match against Leicester City. A victory or draw against Leicester will qualify Manchester United for the Champions League next season. A loss will see the Foxes return to the Champions League.