Off the back of a comfortable European triumph, Manchester United will lock horns with West Ham United at Old Trafford on their return to Premier League action on Sunday.
Since their disappointing 6-3 defeat against Manchester City at the start of the month, United have turned a corner and are looking like the team to beat with every passing matchday.
Erik ten Hag looks to have got his side ticking again as United have embarked on an unbeaten run which was extended to seven games across all competitions (W5, D2) with their emphatic win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
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United ran out 3-0 winners in their Europa League clash with Moldovian champions, which sealed their place in the knockout stage. But they will need to beat group leaders Real Sociedad by a two-goal margin to progress as table toppers.
After being exiled from the squad that faced Chelsea for his theatrics in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Cristiano Ronaldo was restored to the line-up against Tiraspol.
He rewarded his manager’s faith with the third goal after Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford had put the Red Devils two goals ahead.
However, their previous trip to Stamford Bridge was a tad more difficult to navigate despite Ten Hag’s men dominating most of the proceedings.
United looked to be heading towards a 1-0 loss when Jorginho converted an 87th-minute penalty, but a last-gasp equaliser from Casemiro ensured that Ten Hag’s men took a point from the tricky away fixture.
Now sixth in the Premier League table, United will go into this weekend’s showdown four points off the top four, having also played two games less than both Spurs and Newcastle United, who occupy third and fourth respectively.
United are undefeated at Old Trafford since their opening day 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion. Their impressive victories against Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs on home soil will give them enough confidence going into the game against West Ham, who have not won at Old Trafford in the league since 2007.
West Ham have also enjoyed a decent run of results after enduring a slow start to the season. Since their 1-0 defeat at Everton, they have lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions (W6, D1).
The Hammers ran out 2-0 winners over Bournemouth last time out in a game marred by controversies, but goals from Kurt Zouma and Said Benrahma helped David Moyes’ side to victory.
West Ham have flourished in Europe, winning all five games in their Europa Conference League group – a run that continued on Thursday night when Manuel Lanzini scored a first-half penalty to send his side into the knockout phase.
Although Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground for the Hammers, Moyes’ side were victorious against United in the Carabao Cup last season, so they will feel they are capable of taking something from Sunday’s game.
West Ham currently sit in 12th place with a game in hand over Brentford. A win for the Irons will take them into the top half of the table.
Match Preview
Manchester United
With or without Ronaldo, United have proven a force to be reckoned with, but the return of the Portuguese superstar will certainly boost their chances of extending their winning run against the Hammers.
The Red Devils have won their last four league matches against West Ham, their best winning run against the Hammers since an eight-game run between 2008 and 2012.
United have lost just one of their last 14 league home games (W8, D5) and will be looking to keep three consecutive home clean sheets for the first time since their run of four back in June 2020.
West Ham United
West Ham’s away form coupled with their luckless trips to Old Trafford leaves little to be desired as they have picked up just three points in their last 14 league visits to United (D3, L11), but they will draw inspiration from their triumph against United in the EFL last season.
Moyes will also be keen on ending his winless run against United. He has never won away against the Red Devils in the league, drawing four and losing 11 of his 15 visits.
His sides have scored just ten goals across these 15 visits, with 40% of those coming in a single 4-4 draw with Everton back in April 2012.
The Hammers have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 league away games, and have won just two of their last 14 on the road (D2, L10).
Manchester United vs West Ham United Predicted Line-ups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David De Gea; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho; Marcus Rashford.
West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Lukasz Fabianski; Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Thilo Kehrer, Aaron Cresswell; Thomas Soucek, Declan Rice; Jarrod Bowen, Flynn Downes, Said Benrahma; Gianluca Scamacca.
How to Watch?
Manchester United vs West Ham United, alongside all other fixtures in England’s top flight, is available to watch online via live Premier League streams.
Manchester United vs West Ham United Prediction
West Ham’s performances have improved in recent matches, but a narrow defeat to a rejuvenated United side could be on the horizon.
Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United
