James Ward-Prowse could be an excellent fit as the next West Ham captain
James Ward-Prowse could be an excellent fit as the next West Ham captain

James Ward-Prowse delivers Manchester United verdict ahead of West Ham United game

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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James Ward-Prowse believes that Old Trafford is a "unique" place ahead of a Premier League clash between West Ham and Manchester United.

Despite being winless since the end of December, the Hammers are sitting in sixth in the Premier League, one point above the Red Devils but with a much better goal difference.

The former Southampton ace believes that his side are looking forward to the "exciting challenge" of facing Man United away from home, travelling with the main intention of claiming three points.

"We now go to a place like Old Trafford looking to win and believing we can win the game," he said to The Mirror on Saturday (3 February).

"That's a real positive sign of how far the club has come. It's a unique place to go and a really exciting challenge."

West Ham trip to Old Trafford

The Hammers got the better of Erik ten Hag's men last time out, claiming all three points in a 2-0 victory at London Stadium in December as Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus scored in quick succession.

If history is anything to go by, anything could happen as the two sides meet again. West Ham are unbeaten in the last two meetings but Man United won the three before that, two in the Premier League and one FA Cup game.

With all the drama kicking off at Old Trafford, especially surrounding Marcus Rashford's recent developments, the odds look slightly in West Ham's favour.

West Ham
James Ward-Prowse scored a penalty against Bournemouth in West Ham's last game.

Kudus could return to the starting XI after Ghana's 2023 AFCON exit, joining Bowen in attack once again. David Moyes' side has missed these two forwards, and Lucas Paqueta too, but the Brazilian is still on the sidelines.

It will be interesting to see how new signing Kalvin Phillips does in midfield, especially considering his links to Man United's rivals Leeds United and Manchester City. There could be a few strong tackles flying in.

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