Few would have predicted the swift transformation that has taken place at Manchester United under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, who has guided the club to their first trophy in six years with success in Sunday’s EFL Cup final, six months after suffering embarrassing defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford at the start of the season.
First-half goals from Casemiro and goal machine Marcus Rashford helped the Red Devils beat a spirited Newcastle United side 2-0.
Ten Hag has instilled hope in the Old Trafford faithful as they seek to kickstart a new era of success, and the Dutchman is now tasked with keeping their audacious quadruple hopes alive when they return to action in midweek for an FA Cup tie.
Man United have a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with a 3-1 home win against Reading in the FA Cup fourth round on January 28 being one of eight victories during this run, which is sure to be met with a rousing reception from the Old Trafford crowd on Wednesday.
In the current format of the FA Cup, the Red Devils have advanced from more fifth-round ties than any other team (41). (dating back to 1925-26)
The 12-time FA Cup winners will be full of confidence when they take the field against West Ham, but extending their unbeaten run is unlikely given their recent cup struggles against the Hammers. Indeed, Man United beat West Ham 1-0 in extra time in the FA Cup in February 2021, before losing 1-0 at home in the EFL Cup fourth round seven months later.
Predicted Starting XI: Manchester United vs West Ham United | #MUFC
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The East Londoners have now climbed out of the relegation zone, sitting two points clear of the drop zone, and while Premier League survival remains a priority, their attention now shifts to the FA Cup, which they last won in 1980, when Sir Trevor Brooking scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Team News- Manchester United
Man United will be without injured Christian Eriksen (ankle) and Donny van de Beek (knee), while Anthony Martial has been out for almost a month with a hip problem and is questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Given the club’s busy schedule, Ten Hag may opt to rotate his starting lineup, with Tom Heaton and Jack Butland vying for the number one spot in goal, while Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia could all be called in for managing the defence.
If Ten Hag decides to rest midfield duo Casemiro and Fred, Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay are both available, but Fernandes will almost certainly keep his place in an advanced midfield role.
Rashford, who has scored the game-winner in Man United’s last two home meetings against West Ham (both ending 1-0), could continue on the left flank, though Alejandro Garnacho could be given the opportunity to start, and Jadon Sancho will look to replace Antony on the right side of attack.
Team News- West Ham
West Ham’s Kurt Zouma and Maxwel Cornet have returned to training after missing time with thigh and calf injuries, respectively, and Moyes will be hoping the duo can soon be integrated back into the first-team fold.
Vladimir Coufal (heel) and Lukasz Fabianski (eye socket) were both injured in the win over Forest and are unlikely to play on Wednesday.
In Coufal’s absence, Ben Johnson will likely shift to right-back, with either Emerson Palmieri or Aaron Cresswell recalled on the opposite side of defence, while Alphonse Areola is expected to start in goal regardless of Fabianski’s availability.
Ings is ineligible because he has already represented Aston Villa in this season’s FA Cup, so either Antonio or Gianluca Scamacca will start up front, with Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma providing support in attack.
Predictions-
Manchester United 2-0 West Ham