Manchester United Match Preview

After failing to do the double over Brighton and Hove Albion and newly-promoted Sheffield United in recent weeks, West Ham United have another chance this afternoon when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

The Hammers will be looking for their sixth win on the road and have already won at both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Why not add Old Trafford to that list?

Up until May 2023, David Moyes had never experienced victory against the Red Devils as a manager but he has recently had two whilst in charge of the East Londoners.

He also led West Ham to victory here in a Carabao Cup third-round tie back in September 2021. However, he is still looking for his first league success on this ground.

Picking up a win here would be crucial, as the visitors are currently sixth in the table and now just a single point in front of Erik ten Hag’s men. If they go back to the East End empty-handed, they will drop a place in the table.

Both teams played on Thursday, meaning neither will have an edge in terms of preparation. Having said that though, the Irons will be looking to improve on their performance at home to AFC Bournemouth, whereas the hosts will be looking to build on their lastgasp 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Vladimír Coufal could make a return to the starting line-up after suspension. If he is recalled, then he will likely replace Ben Johnson.

Moyes will have to decide whether Konstantinos Mavropanos will continue at centre-back or throw Nayef Aguerd straight back into the starting line-up, following his involvement in the Morocco squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kalvin Phillips will make a return to Manchester today, hoping to do better than on his debut after a mistake cost his new team a clean sheet against the Cherries three days ago.

The match is a 2pm kick-off with live coverage being screened by Sky Sports from 1pm. The referee is Andrew Madley.