Manchester United vs West Ham Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction
High on the drought-ending League Cup win, it’s more cup action for Manchester United as they face West Ham at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Competition: FA Cup 5th Round
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 19:45 UK Time
TV Channel: ITV1
How do Manchester United Look?
Manchester United are coming into this game off the back of an incredible week. Erik ten Hag’s side knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League, beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford and were also victorious over Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup, winning 2-0 at Wembley. Just a few months into the job Erik ten Hag has brought a trophy back to United after they had gone six years without one. United weren’t at their best in the final but mature performances by the proven winners already in the squad helped them see it through. One of these players was Casemiro who played an important role in United’s success once again. The summer signing opened the scoring, heading home from a Luke Shaw set-piece delivery in the 33rd minute.
Embed from Getty ImagesCasemiro’s presence was felt in more ways than just the goal, the midfielder was excellent at breaking up play and showed his experience for these types of occasions during the game. Another one of United’s big games players, Marcus Rashford left his mark on the game in the 39th minute doubling United’s lead and ultimately sealing the victory. Rashford combined well with Wout Weghorst and fired past Loris Karius after a bit of luck from a deflection. This Carabao Cup win will give United momentum going into the latter stages of the season and will hopefully be the start of many more to come.
Heading into the West Ham game Anthony Martial is still out with an injury and will not be available for selection. Ten Hag has also stated that Fred and Luke Shaw are ‘questions’ for the game.
Opponents: West Ham
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Ham have had a difficult season thus far finding themselves sitting in 16th place just two points off the relegation zone this season. It has been disappointing for a team that had much higher hopes after summer additions of Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta. The Hammers will be hoping a cup run could help build their momentum as they head into the final games of the season.
One player who will be key to West Ham as they face Manchester United is Declan Rice. The midfielder who has constantly been linked with the likes of United and Chelsea is West Ham’s most important player and can have huge impacts on games both in attack and defence. United will need to shut him down in order to minimise West Ham’s threat.
Prediction
Manchester United’s spirits coming into this game will be on a high and they will be expected to beat West Ham at Old Trafford. United have made their home quite a fortress this season and don’t seem like they’ll falter at any hurdles coming soon. With that being said the fixtures are quite congested for The Reds and they could struggle against what is quite a physical West Ham side.
Manchester United 2-0 West Ham
