Exclusive: McAvennie slams Haller ahead of expected West Ham start v Man United
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has slammed West Ham forward Sebastien Haller ahead of the clash with Manchester United.
The Ivorian is set to start against the Red Devils after coming off the bench in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Monday evening.
David Moyes has confirmed that Michail Antonio will be missing at the London Stadium, as his recovery from a hamstring blow takes another hit.
McAvennie claimed that Haller needs to be watching Antonio more, and bring some of his skill when leading the line for the Hammers.
“I don’t think he’s done enough,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“He comes on, the first thing he does, he coming towards the ball, get in the box – he’s 6’4” and by the time the ball goes in the box, there’s nobody there.
“Antonio came in, he’s the number one at the moment. He should be looking at him.”
Haller has only started three games this season in the Premier League, scoring one of his two goals in that 1-0 win over Sheffield United.
The 26-year-old had seven shots on goal and completed four key passes in those starts according to WhoScored, but lost possession 14 times.
McAvennie suggesting that he needs to be in the box more is spot on, but when playing as a lone striker, sometimes you need to drop deeper to hold up the ball for others.
Haller would get more goals if he was in the box more, and given the fragility of Manchester United, tonight could be the perfect opportunity for the striker.
In other West Ham United news, Mark Lawrenson predicts Irons clash v Manchester United