Irons need to readjust focus after Old Trafford

 (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite spending over 50 years on the dark side – which is the fate of those who are drawn to support the Hammers – I am usually the eternal optimist!

Sadly after yesterday’s late late defeat I’m finding it hard to be optimistic about a top six finish this morning.

That was seriously not a game we should have lost and I still hold the view that despite Jarrod Bowen losing the ball which led to the United goal scoring  attack, Ryan Fredericks was much too far forward and defended appallingly.

His presence on the pitch was down to the manager and thus he takes as much responsibility as a poor player.

We move on with Watford (h), Leicester (a), Newcastle (h) and Wolves (h) in front of us followed by Liverpool (a), Villa (h) and Spurs (a) in March when we return to the Europa League.

I’m not into points predictions at this stage but that looks a tough run of games apart from maybe Watford and Newcastle

With every club beneath us having four games or less in hand on us the top six is a huge call and the reality is that the Europa League should now perhaps become the main focus.

Win that and we are in the Champions League which gives us a real chance of holding onto Declan who was once again the stand out player.

Beyond that if David Moyes really believes we can go on without reinforcements it’s time to despair.