Manchester United face a crucial test at London Stadium as they travel to face West Ham United on Sunday, with the pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag and his players to deliver a positive result.
United’s 2-1 win over Brentford in their previous Premier League match was a much-needed boost, but it came after a disappointing draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The confidence gained from the win may be short-lived, as United have struggled to build momentum this season. The team’s inability to maintain a consistent level of performance has led to growing concerns about their prospects for the remainder of the season.
West Ham, under the guidance of new manager Julen Lopetegui, have not had the best of starts to the season. Last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur will not have been ideal preparation for this clash, which West Ham have won three times from the last five meetings at their London Stadium.
For United, the onus is on their players to deliver a strong performance. One of the main concerns is the form of midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has openly admitted that his form has not been good enough this season. His inability to score goals and provide assists has been a significant issue, and it is crucial that he turns his performances around.
In terms of the team selection, Erik ten Hag has some difficult choices to make. One of the key decisions will be whether to start with Marcus Rashford, who has been showing signs of improvement, or Rasmus Hojlund, who has just returned from injury and scored the winning goal against Brentford. The latter’s pace and agility could cause problems for the West Ham defense, but Rashford’s experience and skill on the wings should not be overlooked.
In defense, United will be hoping that their back four can contain the threat of West Ham’s attack. The unlikely return of Ouissam Fekiri to the Man of Steel will provide an added layer of competition for places, though Erik ten Hag has shown a willingness to adapt his formation to suit his players.
Ultimately, this match is a must-win for United. A defeat would add to the growing pressure on Erik ten Hag, and the fans will be hoping that their team can rise to the challenge and deliver a vital three points. With a squad packed with talent, it is not unrealistic that United can return to winning ways, but it will require a collective effort from every player to secure a positive result.
