Manchester United have Liverpool on their heels and risk missing Champions League with loss at West Ham

The Red Devils have consecutive 1-0 losses and don't have much margin for error

On Sunday, the Champions League race in the Premier League got a little more interesting as West Ham United defeated Manchester United 1-0 to speed away from the relegation zone behind a solo goal from Said Benrahma. It was a victory that West Ham needed as they were winless in their last three but Liverpool have won six straight games to draw within one point of the Red Devils, who are on the verge of seeing their league season fall apart unless they find consistency.

United's hold on the top four seemed definite heading into the new year but after injuries and falling out of Europa League, Erik ten Hag's first season at the helm can end on a sour note if the team's chemistry can't be restored. David de Gea doesn't seem have confidence in the players in front of him while the midfield doesn't have confidence in the players behind them. On top of that, de Gea had a huge plunder on the game's lone goal to add insult to injury, failing to comfortably hold an easy ball as it trickled through him and into the goal. 

The defensive woes were billed as a Harry Maguire issue but as the season wears on, it is a chemistry issue. While Luke Shaw is an international-level left back, when moved to center back in a back four, things aren't natural for him. He can stick with speedy strikers but playing next to Victor Lindelof it creates cracks that can be exploited.