Manchester United vs West Ham Match Preview: Kick-off time, TV Channel, Team News and Score Prediction
Manchester United are back in action in the Premier League to face West Ham at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s Reds have been in fine form and will be looking to build momentum as we head into the final game weeks before the World Cup.
United currently sit in sixth and a win against West Ham tomorrow could see them close the gap on the top four, putting them one point behind fourth-place Newcastle with a game in hand.
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 16:15 UK Time
Channel: Sky Sports
How do Manchester United Look?
Embed from Getty ImagesLast time out United were comfortable in a 3-0 win over FC Sheriff in the Europa League with goals coming from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo. With Anthony Martial’s constant injury problems this season, it was good to see Ronaldo on the scoresheet in his first game back after being banished from the squad following his Tottenham tantrum.
The Europa League fixture also featured a bright performance from youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who made his first start for the club and showed great confidence with his touches and the ability to beat his man one on one. Garnacho’s performance was one that could have written himself in Ten Hag’s first team plans.
Embed from Getty ImagesAgainst FC Sheriff both Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek made appearances off the bench after being out with injuries. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been back in training this week and will be available for selection. Maguire played his first minutes since the international break after coming on as a substitute vs Sheriff. The Captain’s return to the squad creates an interesting dynamic as to whether the manager will opt to play the centre-back over Victor Lindelof who started in midweek.
Raphael Varane will be out until the World Cup after he suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea. Anthony Martial is still a doubt but has been back in training this week and could be apart of the matchday squad.
Opponents: West Ham
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Ham had a tough start to the season but have recovered well, with only one loss in their last eight games in all competitions leaving them 12th in the Premier League. Moyes’ Men have been steadily improving throughout the season as their new signings start to set into the squad. The Hammers failed to beat United in the league last season, conceding late winners on both occasions. With the games between the two sides being so close last season West Ham will be hopeful they can get a result at Old Trafford.
One of West Ham’s biggest threats will come from Jarrod Bowen. The English right winger could cause serious problems for United in transition with his speed and direct play. Bowen is West Ham’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League with two goals so far this season. Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca could also cause problems for United. The 6ft 4 Italian is starting to find his groove at West Ham and could challenge United’s defence with his physicality.
Key Stats
West Ham knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup last season.
Manchester United have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the table so far this season.
Prediction
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United have been playing an increasingly better brand of football over the past few weeks and that should continue here. Despite West Ham’s improvements recently United should have enough to defeat The Hammers, especially at Old Trafford. It will be a tough game and West Ham will certainly pose a serious threat on the counterattack, but United have been good at preventing those situations in recent weeks.
Manchester United 2-0 West Ham.
