West Ham were left to rue costly errors but there were also many positives to take in the loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

David Moyes’ side started well in the contest, looking a side that were eager to build on the previous positive result and performance against Nottingham Forest in the league, although the hosts showed their qualities when attacking our Hammers goal.

Arguably West Ham had the better of the first half, with an organised display which also saw Michail Antonio guilty of missing a big chance when released one-on-one with David De Gea – only to fire straight at the Spaniard.

The second half saw much of the same as Moyes’ side looking confident and dominant, then on xxx minutes were rewarded when Said Benrahma produced a stunning strike beyond De Gea into the top corner.

West Ham though failed to take further advantage and solidify the lead, as Manchester United looked threatening and thought they were level on, but the goal was correctly ruled out – giving hope this might be our night.

But it was at this point that suddenly our Hammers looked vulnerable and the hosts were level through an Aguerd own-goal on 77 minutes and from then the game slipped away from West Ham with the home side scoring a further two more late on from Garnacho and Fred.

Defensive mistakes were again evident and something David Moyes will be looking to address urgently. Although the cup exit was disappointing, The West Ham Way Podcast hosts Dave Walker and ExWHUEmployee felt there were positives to take from the performance.

“I thought we gave them a good game,” stated Walker after the loss. “But we have to be more clinical in front of goal and show more quality in the final third.

“We missed a few big opportunities which made the difference and that’s frustrating. On a positive note, one less tournament to focus on isn’t a bad thing given our current situation.”

Ex felt that errors defensively were the key reason for the defeat, and couldn’t hide his disappointment at an opportunity missed.

“I thought on the whole we played really well and I am so disappointed to have at least not made it to extra time,” added our man-in-the-know.

“Unfortunately errors at both ends of the pitch have costs us dearly and it’s very frustrating to have not made it through.”