Reporter reveals surprise at spotting Lopetegui doing something unusual after Man United win

Julen Lopetegui has faced a challenging start as West Ham manager, with some reports ahead of the Manchester United match even suggesting his position was at risk.

Rumors also indicate tension between Lopetegui and sporting director Tim Steidten behind the scenes.

The 2-1 victory over Manchester United provided some relief, yet the underlying tension remains palpable at the London Stadium.

Lopetegui’s reaction at the full-time whistle showed just how much the win meant to him, as he expressed a rare outpouring of emotion.

This wasn’t the only unusual thing he did; the coach broke from his usual post-match routine, further underscoring the significance of the three points.

Typically, Lopetegui is the first to head down the tunnel after a match, regardless of the result.

But this time, according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, he chose to linger on the field, savoring the victory.

The first person he embraced was Guido Rodriguez, followed by celebrations with his backroom staff.

Thomas noted, “Lopetegui is usually the first person to head down the tunnel when a match is over, but this time he opted to savor the moment.

Guido Rodriguez was the first player he embraced before celebrating with members of his backroom staff.”

This display allowed fans to see a more human side of Lopetegui, contrasting with his usually reserved demeanor.

For Lopetegui to truly succeed at West Ham, building a stronger rapport with the Hammers fans could be essential.

He might even take a page from Jurgen Klopp’s book, drawing inspiration from how the Liverpool manager cultivated a close relationship with fans when he first arrived at Anfield.

The victory over Manchester United is a big step forward, but fans will be hoping it marks the beginning of even greater achievements at the club.