Manchester United's shambolic start to the English Premier League (EPL) 2018/19 season continued this weekend as they were embarrassed by West Ham at London stadium, by a 3-1 defeat. Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko each scored a goal before the halftime and Marko Arnautovic added the killer third in the second-half after Marcus Rashford had pegged one back for the visitors.

The defeat condemns Manchester United to their joint-worst start to a Premier League season ever. This the third time they have conceded three goals in a Premier League match. They conceded a total of 28 goals in the last season, but so far have already conceded 12 goals in seven games.

The pre-match build-up was highlighted by Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba's verbal exchange in training. But Mourinho clarified in his Friday press conference that his relationship was a pure player-coach relationship with United's No. 6 and was impressed with the attitude shown by Pogba.

United's highest wage earner and January arrival Alexis Sanchez was left out of the team. Anthony Martial, who was good in midweek kept his place to play alongside Romelu Lukaku. The surprise inclusion was of Scott McTominay in three person defence alongside Chris Smalling and erratic Victor Lindelof.

Manchester United started poorly, and West Ham equally piled pressure on them. Felipe Anderson scored their opening goal in the first five minutes to send the Londoners into a dream start.

United was haphazard at the back and lacked ideas at the front. Romelu Lukaku, who has been guilty of missing chances which has cost his team dearly, headed at the post when the score was 1-0.

Later in the half, Yarmolenko shrugged off Nemanja Matic and shot at the goal which was deflected in by Victor Lindelof past helpless David De Gea. If the first goal was controversial, this was sublime.

Mourinho surprisingly did not change at the halftime and West Ham started at the same intensity as they did in the first half. The away support chanted 'Attack Attack Attack', and Jose responded by bringing in Marcus Rashford in place of Victor Lindelof.

Rashford injected much-needed urgency and pace in the side, and soon United was rewarded when he poked in a low shot from Luke Shaw cross. But any chances of famous United comeback was erased by Marco Arnautovic's third goal which he effortlessly slotted past De Gea after United defence again went to sleep.

Fred and Juan Mata were thrown at the deep end as Mourinho decided he had enough of his flashy star Pogba at 70 minutes. United lacked urgency and desire to stage a fightback and West Ham were deserved winners.

Watch West Ham United vs Manchester United, EPL 2018-19 Match Video Highlights:

There are serious questions to be asked at Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen how long does Jose Mourinho last. Meanwhile, West Ham climbed up to 12th in the table. The toothless defeat sees Manchester United eight points off the top. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about English Premier League (EPL) 2018-19.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2018 08:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).