Amad vs. Sesko: Star Duo Fight for Man Utd Starting Spot Against West Ham—Latest Team News & Predicted XI
Manchester United's revival under Michael Carrick rolls on as they face West Ham United on Tuesday evening, where a fifth consecutive Premier League triumph would guarantee a much-needed trim for one fan.
The Red Devils haven't managed such a winning streak in two years, but they're tantalizingly close to achieving this milestone following impressive wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur since Carrick took charge as caretaker boss.
In theory, defeating 18th-placed West Ham should represent Carrick's easiest challenge yet, though the Hammers are displaying renewed vigor under Nuno Espírito Santo after claiming victory in three of their previous four outings.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Fitness problems have disrupted Mason Mount's United journey and he remains unavailable for the encounter in east London having sat out the previous two fixtures.
Matthijs de Ligt, absent since late November due to an undisclosed back issue, continues his recovery, while the increasingly important Patrick Dorgu also remains on the treatment table. His hamstring problem is severe enough to keep him out for several months—disappointing given his improving performances.
Benjamin Šeško has been observing from the substitutes' bench and may continue in that role as Carrick appears set to maintain his attacking quartet of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo—with the latter functioning as the main striker.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—The Belgian goalkeeper needed to make only one comfortable stop during the 2–0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend as he secured his fourth United shutout.
RB: Diogo Dalot—The Portuguese defender caught the eye with his attacking contributions against Spurs—including a delightful cross for the second goal—but faces a challenging encounter against the red-hot Crysencio Summerville, who has found the net in his last five appearances.
CB: Harry Maguire—After neutralizing Erling Haaland and Gabriel Jesus in previous matches, Maguire successfully contained Dominic Solanke last weekend. De Ligt's absence poses no concerns.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez has proven the ideal complement to Maguire as their rarely-utilized 'tall and short' defensive pairing continues to thrive.
LB: Luke Shaw—Shaw has provided unwavering reliability for United this campaign with 25 consecutive Premier League appearances, though a duel with fellow Englishman Jarrod Bowen will examine his abilities on Tuesday evening.
DM: Casemiro—The Brazilian midfielder has been demonstrating to United exactly what they'll lose when he leaves as a free agent this summer.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo—Mainoo has excelled partnering Casemiro in the defensive midfield pairing, further highlighting Ruben Amorim's questionable decision to completely exclude him from his tactical setup.
RW: Amad Diallo—Diallo has operated somewhat in the background compared to his attacking teammates recently, yet the Ivorian has maintained impressive energy levels. His penetrating runs beyond the Spurs backline created significant problems last weekend.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—United's creative hub found the scoresheet again against Tottenham after providing two assists the weekend prior. The captain now boasts four goals and eight assists across his last 10 appearances in all competitions.
LW: Matheus Cunha—United have acquired a wonderful talent in Cunha, with the Brazilian dazzling weekly through his technical ability and consistent goal contributions.
ST: Bryan Mbeumo—Mbeumo converted United's well-worked set piece against Spurs to reach three goals under Carrick since transitioning to the striker role. Another excellent summer acquisition.