These two sides have both started in the completely opposite way than expected, as Manchester United have struggled to adapt under Louis van Gaal, while West Ham have flown out of the blocks with an impressive win over Liverpool the crowning jewel. It’s still too early to judge any side in the division, but early results can affect the team and the winning or losing mentality can be difficult to shake. As the match is at Old Trafford, Manchester United will be expected to win and they certainly need to start picking up points soon after a few disappointing results early on.
The excitement that engulfed Old Trafford after the signings of Angel di Maria and Falcao was short lived after a calamitous defeat against Leicester after losing a two goal lead. The problems at the back were highlighted once again, and not signing a top quality centre half could prove to be the most foolish things Louis van Gaal has ever done. He will get the chance to put that right in January and you can’t imagine one will not come in. Although Manchester United will be expectant this weekend, the injury crisis at the back could prove to produce another defeat.
Sam Allardyce started the season under intense pressure and a disappointing pre season caused many to doubt the Englishman’s chances of producing a good football side, but he has managed it. The signings of Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia, Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho were impressive and they have all made early impacts at Upton Park. There has been talk of Andy Carroll being moved on in January and that might be something to consider as they now have strikers who can play attractive football, which is what the fans crave, they need to move away from the long ball game and Carroll is the symbol of that.
Last season, the home side ran out 3-1 winners with Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young finding the net, while Carlton Cole scored a late consolation for West Ham. In the match at Upton Park, Manchester United won 2-0 with Wayne Rooney bagging a brace.
Interesting Stats
The match against Leicester was the first time Manchester United threw away a two goal lead in Premier League history and the first time since 1984.
Stewart Downing has more assists this season already than he did for the whole of last campaign, he has three to his two last season, showing a marked improvement in his performances.
Key Men
Di Maria
Angel Di Maria has started well in England, showing his class and his performances will be crucial for United, especially when it comes to their Champions League hopes. He scored an impressive chip against Leicester, showing he will have the mental strength to do things out of the ordinary and that alone makes him exciting to watch. The Argentinian has scored twice and got two assists already in only three matches. If he continues to put up those numbers, Manchester United will surely score enough goals to negate their defensive woes. This weekend United are coming up against a side known for their solid defence and they will need flair and skill to break down West Ham, Di Maria will be their biggest chance of doing that and winning the match. It is shocking that Real Madrid let the Argentine leave the club, especially when you consider he was one of their best players for the Champions League winning side last year.
Song
West Ham did some very impressive business this season and the best signing could turn out to be Alex Song, who has played at massive clubs such as Arsenal and Barcelona. It is a big coup that Sam Allardyce managed to capture the Cameroonian midfielder. He will add bite and power to the midfield, providing the platform for the attacking players that West Ham now have in the side, plus alongside Cheikhou Kouyate he will have license to make runs forward, but the Senegalese midfielder will be missing for a number of weeks, making the role of Song even more important. Manchester United don’t have the quality of central midfielders as Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, which gives lesser sides an opportunity to dominate matches, and having a player like Song will give West Ham a chance this weekend. Manchester United aren’t playing well and their confidence will be low, making a quick start for West Ham crucial.
Team News
Manchester United have a number of injuries, including their three main defenders as Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will all be missing through injury, while Tyler Blackett is suspended. Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard will also be missing at the weekend.
Kevin Nolan and Matt Jarvis are moving closer to a return in the opening week of October. Andy Carroll and Cheikhou Kouyate will be missing until November, while Joey O’Brien is still missing for West Ham.
BettingÂ
Angel Di Maria has already got two assists to his name and he is likely to be the main creative force in the Manchester United sides. If you fancy him to get another assist this weekend, you can get odds of 3.00 for the Argentine to get an assist this weekend with Tailorbet.
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Verdict
The defensive problems Manchester United have will lead to them dropping points yet again this weekend and the fans could start to turn on the team. It’s unlikely they will lose again, but a draw could be a likely result, especially given the impressive form that West Ham have shown this season. There will be goals this weekend given the attacking strength and the defensive woes of Manchester United, it will be a common story when it comes to Manchester United matches this season.
Manchester United 2-2 West Ham United
