FA Cup Preview: Manchester United vs West Ham

Manchester United vs West Ham | FA Cup 5th Round | Old Trafford | KO 19:30 GMT | BBC One

Manchester United were extremely unlucky to draw 3-3 with Everton at the weekend, all but ending their somewhat half-hearted title challenge to league leaders Manchester City.

They now face an inform West Ham United side on Tuesday night in the FA Cup, knowing a win at Old Trafford will take them into the quarter finals, just one game away from another trip to Wembley.

The FA Cup may prove to be a great opportunity for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to win his first trophy as United manager, having already knocked Liverpool out in the last round, so a strong starting eleven is anticipated for this one.

How do Manchester United Look?

There was one obvious casualty from the draw against Everton- Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman, who has been in the form of his life recently, was substituted off in the 39^th minute with a thigh issue, and United boss Solskjaer confirmed that he is expected to be out for a considerable length of time.

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“It’s an injury that will take a few weeks to heal” said Solskjaer.

“He’s just started his recovery, working with the medical staff and we’ll get him back as soon and as safely as we can” he added.

Eric Bailly has struggled with his fitness recently and is facing a late test to see if he is able to make the match, but things are not looking great, as he is expected to fail the test.

Phil Jones is still out with his long-term injury but is edging closer to a return to training.

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One player that has caught the eye of many is Amad Diallo.

With three goals and three assists in his two Under 23s appearances, he has lit it up since arriving from Atalanta, and it is surely just a matter of time before he features in the first team.

His quick, direct style of play is something that United are missing on the right wing, and playing him against West Ham in the cup would be the perfect way to testing him against tougher opposition.

Opposition: West Ham

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Former Manchester United boss David Moyes has fought his way back, to prove he is a good football manager, with his West Ham United side currently sitting sixth, just one point behind fourth placed Liverpool.

Key midfielder Tomas Soucek will be available, after his red card against Fulham was rightly overturned after the match.

Jesse Lingard, who has impressed at The Hammers, will, of course, be unable to play against his parent club at Old Trafford.

Key Stats

David Moyes has won just four times in 29 attempts against United, losing 18 times.

Manchester United and West Ham United have both won twice in the last six times these teams have faced each other, with the other two matches being draws, showing the tight nature of recent affairs between the clubs.