Manchester United Vs West Ham- Match Preview
It is the 3rd weekend in the English Premier League season. The first 2 match days saw plenty of goals and some dominating performances especially from the champions Chelsea. Manchester United however had a little slip up against Fulham in their 2nd match and dropped 2 points. United now take on West Ham United at home and will be looking to claim all 3 points and hit back hard after the disappointing performance at Craven Cottage.
West Ham on the other hand have not been able to attain even a single point from their first 2 outings this season. They have conceded 6 goals in 2 matches. First Aston Villa beat them away and later Bolton got the better of them at Upton Park.
West Ham however may be buoyant by their first win of the season, not in the league but it came midweek in the Carling cup against Oxford United.
Manchester United started the season in spectacular fashion, with a convincing 3-0 win against Newcastle at home that gave a lot of confidence to the fans and the manager. Wayne Rooney was still not back to his best. Fulham though tested Red Devils to the limit last weekend. Craven Cottage has not been one of their favourite places. Now in last 3 visits they have got just 1 point. A 2-2 draw was probably a just result considering how bad they performed on the day.
West Ham United have not won at Old Trafford since 2007, when Tevez who is now a former of both United and West Ham scored the winner for Hammers. The 1-0 win kept them in the league, and United had already won the title at the time. But it will not be an easy ride this time round. Ferguson for sure must have handed out the famous hair dryer treatment to his squad after the performance at Fulham.
Back in 1927 West Ham United beat Manchester United 3-0 and it still remains their biggest win against the 18 time league champions. While Manchester United’s biggest win against the Hammers was a 6-0 drubbing that came in the FA cup back in 2003 with Ryan Giggs, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Phil Neville and Solskjaer all being on the score sheet that day. Giggs is the only currently playing member from that list.
As far as team news is concerned for West Ham, Mathew Upson might be back; he had suffered a facial injury in the match against Bolton. He was at the receiving end of a kick from Simon Davie.
Winston Reid is also expected to be back, while Thomas Hitzlsperger is still doubtful following a thigh injury he suffered when he was on national duty.
For Manchester United, Wayne Rooney is expected to be back. He missed the Fulham match due to a stomach bug. Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are still out with long term injuries and apart from the trio rest of the squad is available for Sir Alex to choose from.
The last time these 2 teams came face to face was back in February this year. Manchester United won the match 3-0. Wayne Rooney scored a double, and Owen put the finishing touches. This will be the 120th time the two teams meet. West Ham have won 41, Red Devils have the edge with 54 and 24 have ended in draws.
Manchester United are expected to win the match with at least 2 goals, and there is a very low chance of a draw considering West Ham’s poor form. There is a fear that they may be on the wrong side of a Red Devil backlash after the draw at Fulham.
Tags: