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The Hammer are set to take on the Red Devils in the London Stadium on Sunday, and it promises to be a cracker, given how attack-friendly both the teams are.
With two wins and two draws, West Ham have certainly made a decent start to their 2021/22 season, but they have to gain momentum quickly, if they are to challenge for one of the European spots for the next season. Having scored eight goals in their last two games and 10 overall, the Hammers’ attack is certainly in form and will hope to continue their attacking momentum against one of the title contenders, Manchester United.
The Red Devils have made a bright start in their quest to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time since 2013. Having said that, Man United are facing problems of their own as their lost to Young Boys in their opening UEFA Champions League group stage game (1-2).
The focus will be on Jadon Sancho, who has failed to register a single goal and assist so far. Moreover, the pressure will be on United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who is facing a lot of heat, after the 2-1 disappointment against Young Boys.
United will look to take advantage of the pace that they have in their ranks, and one can also expect Edinson Cavani to be given a chance in the line-up. It will be interesting to see if Ole decides to play Jesse Lingard, given that it was his mistake that led to one of the goals of Young Boys.
Key Players
West Ham’s midfield maestro Pablo Fornals poses a significant threat to Manchester United with his endurance and playmaking skills. The Spaniard is a crucial cog in David Moyes’ midfield line-up and in the absence of their preferred forward in Michail Antonio, one can expect Fornals’ role to assume greater importance.
Declan Rice may be playing his last season at West Ham United, but his importance in the Hammers’ line-up cannot be understated. One of the breakout players of the Euro 2020, scored against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday’s Europa League night (2-0) and has the capacity to outrun several of United’s players.
Kurt Zouma’s height is one of his strong points and could be the key in neutralizing the CR7 aerial threat. The Frenchman is yet to establish himself in the West Ham line-up, and the former Chelsea man will look to make it big against the Red Devils.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently made a dramatic return back to Old Trafford after 12 years, having spent the last three seasons at Juventus. The 36-year-old has aged like fine wine and has scored in every game since his second debut. The former Real Madrid and Juve striker was on the scoresheet in the loss against Young Boys. Having already found the net twice in the solitary game that he has played in the Premier League thus far, Ronaldo will look to add more to his tally.
Bruno Fernandes is another Portuguese who could decide the outcome of tomorrow’s game. Fernandes’ strike against Newcastle (long-range) was one to savour, and his playmaking skills are second to none. Fernandes and Ronaldo have forged a brilliant partnership, and the midfielder alone could decide the game, on his day. The 27-year-old is currently the leading goal-scorer for Man United in the Premier League, and he will look to add more to his tally.
2021/22 Premier League assists
Despite being linked with a move away from Manchester United next summer, Paul Pogba has absolutely lit up the Premier League with his assisting capabilities. The Frenchman is currently the leading assist provider in the Premier League with seven assists already and looks set to break Kevin De Bruyne’s 2019/20 feat of 20. It will be a challenge for the Hammers to stop Pogba, who is currently in red-hot form.
Prediction
United are currently in red-hot form in the Premier League, and it will be difficult for the Hammers to contain them. The very fact that they are playing at home could play to their advantage.
West Ham can’t be seen securing a win against the Red Devils, but a draw here would be as good as a win for them. United will be disappointed if they fail to secure a win, despite their attack being in such good form.
