Game Week 18 Predictions: Manchester United to drop points at West Ham

Manchester United faces West Ham in crucial match; dressing room unrest, form concerns, and Ten Hag's approach under scrutiny.

Manchester United can't afford to be negative at West Ham on Saturday, the hosts also have good reasons to fight for a result, it will be fun at the London Stadium. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 West Ham vs. Manchester United

London Stadium

1:30pm

Manchester United’s season is entering that crucial stage, which would determine the fate of most of the players and, not least, the man in the dugout.

Stories of dressing room unrest broke out recently, and the club responded to the media houses responsible for the leak by blocking them from Erik Ten Hag’s press conference. It is time for Manchester United to get a grip and climb.

West Ham is in dreamland. Who would have thought that with the Hammers selling Declan Rice in the summer to Arsenal and having one of the oldest squads in the league, they would be through to the knockout phase of the Europa League, just two points off the sixth spot on the log?

The Hammers lost scandalously to Liverpool in the League Cup quarterfinals in midweek, but they can take solace in their league form. If they beat Manchester United on Saturday, they won’t only go above the Red Devils; they will also go as high as sixth on the Premier League table.

Manchester United forced Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield, a ground they have a horrible history with, and that must be a huge confidence booster ahead of their trip to the London Stadium. There were patches of opportunities for United away at Liverpool, but they would be remembered for their defending.

West Ham will also look to build on their emphatic 3-0 success against Wolves last weekend. Mohammed Kudus has been a revelation since joining Ajax at the tail end of the summer transfer window. Together with Jarrod Bowen, the Hammers have a strong attacking force to be wary of.

United have a lot of uninspiring players now. Bruno Fernandes has failed to lead from the front in general this season, and he missed the game at Anfield due to an unnecessary fifth yellow card. Marcus Rashford hasn’t found his feet this season, and Antony is proving daily that he is not meant for the club.

West Ham will go for it. They have what it takes to trouble United, and it is left to be seen how Ten Hag lines up to approach the game. The Red Devils can’t afford to lose the game; they will once again rely on Koby Mainoo in midfield and Alejandro Garnacho upfront. They will also need a sane version of Onana.

Verdict: West Ham to win or draw