Manchester United are gearing up to face West Ham in the Premier League as Erik ten Hag eyes a return to winning ways domestically, having comfortably dispatched FC Sheriff earlier this week.
United are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and are also searching for their third consecutive clean sheet at Old Trafford in the league – a feat they have not managed since 2020.
Erik ten Hag named a surprising side for the visit of David Moyes’ men, with a couple of notable absentees on the team sheet. Antony, who has enjoyed a good start to life at Old Trafford, and Victor Lindelof were both missing.
Both players were involved in the 3-0 win over Sheriff but now, it has been revealed by BBC journalist Simon Stone that the pair have been left out due to injury and illness respectively.
Antony ruled out due to injury. Lindelof is ill.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 30, 2022
Top-four rivals Chelsea and Liverpool both lost their games over the weekend and victory over West Ham would see the Reds climb into fifth, with Ten Hag’s men also having a game in hand on the two teams above.
SN’s verdict…
Antony has immediately become one of the first names on the team sheet under Ten Hag and he’ll be hoping that the injury isn’t serious. Suddenly, the loss of one or two attacking players completely exposes United’s lack of depth.
Lindelof is also a big miss – that’s now two out of four senior centre-backs unavailable following Raphael Varane’s long-term injury.
Harry Maguire partners Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence against West Ham and as things stand, they will be playing alongside each other for the foreseeable future.
