Even though theoretically there is still hope for the Champions League, Manchester United need to make sure at least the Europa League spot is secure. There are two ways of doing that. One is to finish 5th in the Premier League and the other is to win the FA Cup. The second option comes with the added bonus of saving face after a season that most expected to have gone a lot better. A trophy is still a trophy even though it’s not the Champions League or the Premier League. In order for LVG’s men to be sure of their Europa League presence they still need to win three more games. The first is against West Ham, the next will be against Everton and the last should be against Crystal Palace or Watford. The good news is that LVG hasn’t lost a single game against either of these sides this season and just recently defeated Everton who are losing form. In even better news, Rooney is expected to return this Wednesday after being out with injury since February. The 30-year-old was featured for a whole hour in the last clash United’s U21 played and seems ready for action. This is hopefully a full recovery for the England international who is needed by both Manchester United and his country.
LVG spoke about the West Ham game and pointed out that Carroll is in great shape and that extra attention will be directed his way: “I’ve seen the Andy Carroll show and I think our problem against Tottenham was also the miscommunication of our central defenders. I hope that we improve our communication because it is very important this game for us.
“Carroll has special qualities. We have seen that in the match that he played on Saturday. It was also against Arsenal and they have great central defenders but still he could do that.
“So we have to cope with Andy Carroll and not only Andy Carroll, the other players. They have a certain player called Dimitri Payet, for example; he can also play, and (Manuel) Lanzini can also score goals.”
If BBC’s quotes are accurate, we should expect some changes down the middle of the defense where Tottenham took advantage of mistakes, mistakes that may have been expected after the mistakes that nearly cost the Devils three points in their game against Everton.
West Ham – Manchester United Facts:
The two sides will face each other 4 times this season, with the last confrontation to unfold on the 10th of May.
In their past 3 encounters the teams split points evenly as all 3 games ended in draws.
Manchester won their last FA Cup in 2004. Claiming this year’s trophy would add a 12th Cup to their FA trophy case.
Score Prediction:
West Ham 1 – 3 Manchester United
Predicted Line-ups:
Man United.
West Ham United
