David Moyes decision in West Ham United win at Burnley caused ‘unease’
David Moyes “caused some unease” among West Ham supporters by naming Divin Mubama among the substitutes against Burnley, according to journalist Daniel Storey.
Despite the absence of injured duo Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen at Turf Moor, Mubama was still unable to break into Moyes’ starting line-up as Danny Ings instead got the nod.
However, the 19-year-old was introduced just after the hour mark and made a telling difference with his part in West Ham’s equaliser as his side went on to claim a late 2-1 win.
Speaking on the Totally Football Show [27 November, 59m 58s], Storey said: “Divin Mubama is their superstar academy forward who is out of contract at the end of the season.
“He’s not signed a new deal because he wants more minutes, but he was left on the bench in place of Danny Ings at the weekend which caused some unease among fans.”
Discussing Mubama’s impact from the substitutes’ bench, Storey added: “Hopefully that means he gets to start now.”
Start him
It was disappointing to see Ings’ name in the starting line-up on Saturday (25 November), and not Mubama’s, when the team sheet was released.
Ings cost West Ham £15million to sign from Aston Villa nine months ago [Sky Sports], but he has showed little to suggest he can be prolific for the Hammers.
Antonio has also struggled when fit this season, so Moyes is in desperate need of someone who can lead the line – at least until January.
Mubama seems to be that man, and his performance in the final half-an-hour at the weekend justified the calls of many for him to start.
While United’s leveller may have gone down as an own goal, it would not have been possible if not for Mubama’s movement in the box.
With Antonio ruled out indefinitely, and Bowen best used out wide, Mubama surely has to get the nod against Backa Topola on Thursday (20 November).
If he performs well in that game, the academy product will then likely retain his place in the side and hopefully be persuaded to sign a new contract after all.
In other West Ham news, the Irons must act now as one of their summer targets is reportedly available to purchase in January.