Manchester United will attempt to get their season back on track by beating West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Bear in mind it’s only September and we’re already out of the League Cup and accepting that the Premier League won’t be making a return to Old Trafford.
Still, United are the favourites (17-20) for the trip to London despite the ongoing tension between manager Jose Mourinho and the club’s most expensive signing Paul Pogba. The Portuguese tactician confirmed during the week that the Frenchman will be stripped of his vice-captaincy role, however, he will feature against the Hammers.
READ MORE: Predicted Man Utd XI vs West Ham
United dropped points in their most recent league fixture, a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against newly promoted Wolves. Defeat to Championship side Derby County followed on penalties in the League Cup added to Mourinho’s woes.
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 12:30pm
TV info: BT Sport 1
Live Stream: BT Sport App
West Ham, on the other hand, have recovered under Manuel Pellegrini after a slow start to the season. In their most recent Premier League outings, The Hammers beat Everton 3-1 and secured a goalless draw against an unbeaten Chelsea side at home.
On Wednesday night, Pellegrini’s men beat Macclesfield Town 8-0 in the League Cup. They were without talisman Marko Arnautovic, but the 29-year-old could be back in time for Saturday, as per BBC Sport.
Arnautovic’s aggression could cause Victor Lindelof problems at the back, though support from the flanks will be just as troublesome as The Hammers boast attack-minded personnel such as Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.
With Marcus Rashford returning from his suspension, Mourinho has a chance to throw a surprise in the works. He could join Romelu Lukaku up top by replacing the struggling Alexis Sanchez, who has now gone 831 minutes without scoring a Premier League goal.
That should also see Anthony Martial in contention for a start as suggested by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
One positive for #mufc last night was Anthony Martial’s attitude and approach were admirable. Did enough to play his way into the XI at West Ham.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 26, 2018
Following on from a training ground bust-up between Mourinho and Pogba, the demeanour on show this weekend will tell us a lot about whether the players, as a whole, are fully behind the manager or not.
Scoreline Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Manchester United
In addition, Full Time DEVILS’ video preview can be watched below.
