Manchester United travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday in what will be their last game before Christmas.
The Red Devils will be looking to build on a resilient performance last weekend, when they picked up a credible point against Liverpool at Anfield. Before the away game to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag’s side had lost back-to-back home fixtures against Bournemouth and Bayern Munich in the Premier League and Champions League, respectively.
Last weekend’s result was a step in the right direction which should give Ten Hag’s side some confidence heading to West Ham, who were smashed 5-1 by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United received a boost earlier this week when Christian Eriksen made a welcome return to first-team training, having been sidelined with the knee injury he suffered during November’s 1-0 win over Luton Town at home. However, whether he will be involved against West Ham remains to be seen.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is available for selection after missing the Liverpool encounter with a one-match suspension, but his Portuguese compatriot Diogo Dalot misses out after being flashed a yellow card twice for dissent last weekend.
Anthony Martial has missed the last two games due to illness and his status remains unknown along with Victor Lindelof. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez are not expected to return before the festive period.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana produced a strong performance in between the sticks in the goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield. He will be raring to build on it with another clean sheet when Man United travel to east London to face West Ham.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka becomes the natural option to replace the suspended Diogo Dalot at right-back. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans kept out a potent Liverpool attack last time out and should continue in central defence in the absence of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is expected to retain his spot at left-back.
Having nullified Liverpool at Anfield, the Man United backline will be confident of going to West Ham and keeping a clean sheet.
Midfield
Considering how solid and tenacious the midfield trio of Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay were against Liverpool, it would be unfair to not pick them again from the start. However, with Bruno Fernandes available once again, there is a chance of Mainoo dropping to the bench. So, Amrabat could operate in the No.6 role and provide a base for Fernandes and McTominay to thrive in advanced areas of the pitch.
Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri could come off the bench in the second half to add gusto and solidity to the United midfield.
Attack
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to be deployed out wide after their tireless displays against Liverpool, which means Marcus Rashford should be among the substitutes again. Ten Hag will expect Antony and Garnacho to create opportunities for central striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to open his Premier League account.
The pace and directness of Facundo Pellistri and Rashford could be ideal off the bench against West Ham’s tiring backline.
