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BBC Pundit says West Ham player looked frightened, did not understand Moyes instructions
of West Ham United’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday evening that Hammers youngster Ben Johnson looked “frightened” – and did not understand instructions from David Moyes.
Johnson, 21, clocked up his 20th senior outing for the Hammers when he started against Manchester United – with ex-Manchester United boss Moyes fielding a defensive-looking line-up. It backfired, as United cruised to three points.
While it took United until the second half to make the breakthrough as Scott McTominay’s flick inadvertently flew into the back of the net off Craig Dawson – West Ham were second best and did not grow into the game until some second-half substitutions.
Ex-Tottenham man Brown gave his verdict on Johnson, who joined Mark Noble in being replaced just after the hour mark. He felt the youngster was frightened and left confused by the instructions of his manager, playing left wing-back, and right-back.
“I tell you what I am seeing – Ben Johnson does not understand where David Moyes wants him to be, at this moment in time,” Brown said. “When Marcus Rashford pulls out wide and Luke Shaw gets to go.
“David Moyes has told him regularly now “go on, push on, be that outlet out wide at the top of the pitch. I think he is frightened to do it. We will see how long that lasts because Moyes has told him to do it three times now.”
TBR’s view – Where does Johnson’s future lie?
Certainly, Johnson is a talent and does boast the trust of Moyes – enough to be given a starting berth in matches where the Hammers look to play defensively. He has started against both Manchester United in the league and Cup, and Manchester City.
But going forward, Johnson is going to struggle getting past Vladimir Coufal at right-back – while Arthur Masuaku has returned to training after a long injury lay-off, and will rival Aaron Cresswell on the left side of the defence. Perhaps a loan is needed.
