James Wood

Fri 12 March 2021 9:00, UK

This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming West Ham games. We’re delighted to welcome Luke Ash as our exclusive Manchester United expert.

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West Ham face a tough trip to Manchester United on Sunday evening as we bid to continue our push for European football. 

The Hammers delivered a below-par-performance on Monday but were still able to defeat Leeds 2-0. Goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson were enough to take us back to fifth in the table.

United will be hoping to build on their 2-0 Manchester Derby win at the Etihad. They’ll be without Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, whilst Lingard will sit out for us as he’s ineligible to play.

We asked Manchester United Super Fan Luke Ash for his thoughts on the clash, what he thinks of his side this season and his predictions for the match.

You picked up a great result last weekend, how do you feel about your season overall?

This season has been progressive. With the unbeaten away run, Ole has shown plenty of positive’s signs that United is heading back in the right direction. There’s still plenty of room to improve and United should be competing for the title and numerous trophies but last weeks results provide us fans with plenty of optimism moving into the future.

It appears as though Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba could be missing for the clash, how important are they to your XI?

Both were invaluable in the reverse tie and they have shown their importance throughout the season. United has clearly declined since Pogba has been out injured as they have struggled to break down teams who defend deeply and with a low block. Both players are capable of creating plenty of chances from moments that other players in the squad are incapable of.

Bruno Fernandes has been excellent this season, as has Luke Shaw. Who would you say has surprised you with their performances this campaign?

Both Bruno and Shaw are in contention for player of the season and it has been evident to the neutrals. Both are lynchpins in United’s attack. However, the most surprising performances have been from Scott McTominay. Since he was awarded Manager’s player of the year under Jose, McTominay has gone from strength to strength. With added maturity and discipline, he has been responsible for United’s success in both areas of the pitch and provides a platform for Bruno and Shaw to excel.

Who are the main threats for Manchester United?

I feel the main weaknesses of West Ham are direct play. As shown in the reverse fixture, attacking with potency on the counter-attack is both a strength of United and a weakness of West Ham. I would say Greenwood against Cresswell could pose an interesting battle. Martial was also impressive against City and previously Martial has been a player who has consecutively good performances.

Who do United fans see as the main threats from West Ham?

As West Ham are away from home, I feel their success will have to be built from the back. Rice and Soucek are quite evidently fundamental to the success of West Ham this season, and the latter I feel could play an essential role should West Ham get anything from the game. Manchester United allows opponents to create numerous chances and typically concede from set-pieces, I find it bizarre.

What do United fans make of West Ham this season?

Historically, West Ham has always been a difficult game for United and as a fan, I was always happy to come away from the game with 3 points. I think West Ham this season epitomise the British football philosophy and have worked relentlessly to ensure they have a platform to win games. Defensively, they have impressed me. Particularly, as a midfield duo, I think Rice and Soucek are quite possibly the most underrated partnership in the league. You also have to impressed with the consistency levels they have provided especially in a season where consistency has been hard to achieve for a number of clubs.

What do you think of Solskjaer and his tactics?

There is a great divide in opinion for Solskjaer and is quite possibly the most polarising manager we have had post-Fergie. Many think he is inadequate and others think he is capable of leading the club to success. I find myself to be very much in the middle. I appreciate the fact he has reinstalled a greater team spirit and this has given United the opportunity to have great results, however, I feel United has been far too inconsistent against defensively minded teams. Which poses a problem ahead of the weekend.

Can this United side still have what fans would deem a successful season?

A successful season for United is winning the league and getting far in the Champions League. However, top-four and winning a cup would signify a successful campaign as it ensures progress has been made. The rebuild was always going to be difficult but this season has provided a greater sense of optimism compared to previous campaigns. United now has a team fans can identify with more to the United way but to ensure success, United must win a trophy.

City look to have the league wrapped up. Can you finish in second place?

If United seriously wants to compete next year, they must ensure they finish as high as possible. We have the players to finish second and we are in pole position. Finishing below second would mean a disappointing end to the season.

What is your prediction for the match?

As always, West Ham will be a difficult game. With Moyes returning to United after his well-known stint, I feel there is always a sense of him wanting to prove people wrong. Therefore, I can see an intense battle of a game that will be separated from either a set-piece or a counterattack.  There’s only one United and here’s hoping they turn up!

West Ham will be looking to win at Old Trafford for the first time since 2007. Carlos Tevez gave us a famous 1-0 as we stayed up on the final day of the 2006/07 season.

It promises to be an exciting encounter on Sunday. Both teams are coming into it having won their last game and feeling confident. Let’s hope we can pick up a valuable three points!

In other West Ham news, who will come in to replace Lingard in the clash with United?