Julen Lopetegui to axe Alphonse Areola ahead of West Ham v Manchester United clash
Frank McAvennie would not be surprised if Julen Lopetegui chose to drop Alphonse Areola as West Ham face Manchester United on Sunday (27 October).
The Frenchman has been a mainstay in the new manager’s starting XI, starting all eight Premier League games so far, even helping his side to a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
However, even with 20 saves, Areola has already conceded 14 goals and could be one of two “high-profile” stars to be dropped against the Red Devils, alongside Lucas Paqueta [GiveMeSport].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I wouldn’t be surprised. We’ve still got Fabianski at the club, so I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s not just down the ‘keeper but it’s been all over the place. The manager has to change something.
“I can’t see what way we’re trying to play, not with this new manager yet. He needs to start getting results because it’s a results-driven business.”
Alphonse Areola dropped for West Ham v Manchester United?
The 31-year-old has been the first-choice goalkeeper since the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, with Fabrianski being called upon for competitions instead, but that could change at the weekend.
Lopetegui is under immense pressure to turn things around at the London Stadium following a difficult start to the season, with only two losses in eight league matches and, more importantly, four losses.
While Fabianski has plenty of experience under his belt, including 202 appearances for the Hammers since 2018, the 39-year-old is unlikely to be the key to fixing Lopetegui’s current issues.
It is understood that even a home defeat against the Red Devils is not likely to see the new manager sacked already [Sami Mobkel], but he is certainly skating on thin ice.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are leading the race to sign a winger from abroad, with the price tag already set.
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