Man United successfully managed to overcome the dismay of dropping points vs Aston Villa as they picked up a 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday.
The win vs the Bees was far less than compelling but it’s the three points that matter at the end of it all. The win means Man United have now picked up 35 points from their 21 matches and are currently seventh on the Premier League table.
Ralf Rangnick still has several problems to solve at Man United but under the German, the Red Devils have suffered only one defeat so far. Manchester United are still very much in a complete muddle but the three points will massively boost their confidence before they face David Moyes’ West Ham United.
The Hammers have been in fine form this season and given how rigidly Man United have been performing, it’s safe to say they are going to be the underdogs on Saturday. Rangnick has been making some bold selection calls in the previous few weeks and it won’t be a surprise if he chooses to keep some of the big-name players on the bench once again.
Man United team news & injuries vs West Ham United:
De Gea was once again the star of the show for Man United but he will be hoping the defensive line can help him keep a clean sheet this time around.
Harry Maguire has not been able to find a place in the starting line up in the previous few matches and in midweek he only came on as a sub. Lindelof and Varane have paired up quite confidently and we think the interim boss is going to use this same pairing on Saturday as well.
Harry Maguire Manchester United captain.
Once again marking our own players which leads to an opposition scoring, as soon as he came on I was worried.
Few minutes later we see this, absolutely embarrassing defending once again!! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/BAeJ2lKdgi
— UsmaanTalksUnited (@UsmaanTalksUTD) January 20, 2022
Luke Shaw and Wan-Bissaka are both unavailable so Telles and Diogo Dalot reprise their roles as the two full-backs.
Scott McTominay’s return from suspension was a massive plus for the Man United boss but he picked up a minor lower back knock against the Bees. Hopefully, the injury is not serious and he gets to keep his place in the side.
Jadon Sancho missed the game due to a personal issue but even if he was to return to the side, the summer signing is not likely to find a place in the starting line up.
Explaining Sancho’s absence, the manager said, as quoted: “There was the funeral today, he asked me if he could [not play against Brentford]. It would not make sense for him to be part of the squad.”
Anthony Elanga has been shining in the previous two games and against Brentford, he scored the first goal for Man United. The youngster should keep his place in the side along with Mason Greenwood which means Marcus Rashford will once again miss out.
Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy after being substituted but with Edinson Cavani picking up a muscle injury, CR7 is a guaranteed starter on Saturday.
Man United predicted line up vs West Ham United:
Predicted Starting Line up(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Telles, Lindelof, Varane; Fred, McTominay; Bruno Fernandes, Elanga, Mason Greenwood; Ronaldo.
UPDATE: There has been a break-in at Victor Lindelof’s home so the Swede will not be available for selection on Saturday. This means Harry Maguire automatically comes back into the side with Eric Bailly still out on international duty.
