Despite initially taking the lead late in the match against Sheffield United, West Ham United, led by David Moyes, couldn’t secure a victory.

Moyes, despite fielding a makeshift lineup, would have anticipated a win, especially after going ahead in the 79th minute. Danny Ings notably exhibited a commendable performance, displaying determination and a relentless effort to reverse his recent form.

However, Moyes faced the challenge of coping without key attacking assets such as Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, and Michail Antonio. Although Maxwell Cornet made a positive impact during his minutes on the pitch, Pablo Fornals failed to leave a lasting impression.

This sentiment was echoed by pundit Clinton Morrison, who expressed his disappointment with Fornals, asserting that the midfielder seemed a mere shadow of his former self. Fornals, originally deployed on the left of West Ham’s forward quartet, traded positions with Cornet just before the opening goal. While Fornals’ performance was not flawed, it lacked the verve and dynamism exhibited in the past.

Morrison’s candid assessment depicted Fornals as a player who, despite moments of brilliance since his £24 million signing in 2019, is presently falling short of the standards required to meet the club’s ambitious objectives. The drop-off in quality from Kudus or Paqueta to Fornals is evident, emphasizing the need for the winger to display greater impact.

Similar expectations apply to Cornet and Said Benrahma, despite Cornet’s decisive finish in the recent fixture. While West Ham boasts an exceptional first-choice lineup, the club’s aspirations necessitate a deeper pool of talent, as revealed by the squad’s limitations against Sheffield United.

In summary, the disappointing result against Sheffield United underscores the imperative for West Ham to fortify its depth to effectively compete on multiple fronts, particularly considering the demands of European competition and the domestic league.