Van De Beek To Start, Rashford Out: United’s Predicted Line Up To Face West Ham

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester United News, Match Previews

Tags: Donny van de Beek, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, West Ham

Another disappointing home display against Paris Saint-Germain midweek means the pressure is on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again.

They will face a West Ham side this weekend who are one point, and four places above, the Red Devils in the Premier League table at the moment.

United’s away record has been excellent, though, in stark contrast to their form at Old Trafford, but this will be a tricky contest and Solskjaer does have some selection dilemmas ahead of the match.

Press the next page as we predict who could start at the London Stadium on Saturday.

GK – David De Gea

It doesn’t seem Dean Henderson will get much of a look in under Solskjaer as De Gea was put straight back into the starting line up for the Paris Saint-Germain clash even though he picked up a knock against Southampton.

The Spaniard made some good saves on Wednesday night but, despite having a below-par season in general, he looks nailed on to keep the number one jersey.

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Did very little wrong against PSG but his lack of ambition going forward is a concern, considering the requirement for a modern-day fullback is to deliver a threat in the final third of the pitch.

Against West Ham, Wan-Bissaka should get chances to go forward with David Moyes playing with wingbacks rather than a four-man backline.

CB – Victor Lindelof

The Swedish international is clearly still struggling with a chronic back problem and there could be a case for either Axel Tuanzebe or Eric Bailly to replace him in the starting line up against the Irons.

However, Solskjaer rarely alters his centre-back pairing in the Premier League so you’d expect Lindelof to start on Saturday.

CB – Harry Maguire

The captain showed his limitations against the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the Paris Saint-Germain game, with his lack of speed, but he will be coming up against a different type of forward at the weekend.

Michail Antonio is a handful but he won’t be able to outmuscle Maguire, while you’d be confident that the centre-half would win the aerial battle against Sebastien Haller if the Frenchman starts instead.

LB – Alex Telles

The Brazilian didn’t cover himself in glory when he failed to track Neymar’s run for the first goal versus PSG but it isn’t the fullback’s strength.

As we saw during the week, Telles is much stronger in the possession and providing overlaps in the final third of the pitch. With Luke Shaw unlikely to be available, Solskjaer is not expected to change his left-back against West Ham.

CM – Scott McTominay

The Scottish international played the midfield enforcer versus PSG and played it well so, unless Solskjaer opts to rest him in favour of Nemanja Matic, he should start at the London Stadium.

McTominay hasn’t always shown consistent levels of performance this campaign and fans will be hoping he can replicate the aggression he showed on Wednesday evening.

CM – Donny van De Beek

The need for two defensive midfielders against Paris Saint-Germain led to the Dutchman being dropped midweek but his passing range and link-up play will be needed more against West Ham.

Van de Beek looked comfortable in a deeper role versus Southampton, and he should get the nod ahead of Paul Pogba who has only recently returned to full fitness.

AM – Bruno Fernandes

The 26-year-old did not have his best night on Wednesday, failing to control a pass from Anthony Martial at the end of the first half which could have led to an excellent chance in front of goal.

Even so, Fernandes continues to be United’s key playmaker and he will undoubtedly retain his place for the clash versus the Hammers.

RW – Mason Greenwood

The teenager was substituted at half time in the 3-2 win against Southampton last week which would have undoubtedly knocked his confidence somewhat and the fact that he hasn’t scored in the Premier League this season will be a worry.

However, Greenwood is rarely out of the starting line up for too long and, after being a sub versus PSG, he could be recalled this weekend.

CF – Edinson Cavani

Starting his second game in the space of a few days may well be a tough ask for the Uruguayan but Solskjaer has very little choice considering the form and fitness of the other forwards.

Cavani was very involved against Paris Saint-Germain, especially in the second half, and was unlucky not to score with his chip.

LW – Anthony Martial

Had an awful game against PSG but, with Marcus Rashford a major doubt for the match due to a shoulder problem, it’s quite possible that the Frenchman will be handed the opportunity to redeem himself.

After skying a golden opportunity in the second half on Wednesday night, it will be hoped Martial rediscovers his scoring touch soon.