Game Week 23 Predictions: West Ham to frustrate United at Old Trafford

Manchester United vs West Ham preview: Form, key players, predictions.

Manchester United cannot afford to drop points against West Ham on Sunday, it will be a fascinating watch at Old Trafford. (Photo credit: 90Mins)

 Manchester United vs. West Ham

Old Trafford Stadium

3:00pm

There will be three fixtures at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, and one of them is this one at Old Trafford; you can call it the David Moyes Derby.

West Ham can steer clear of the chasing pack for the fifth spot, the likes of Brighton, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, with a win over the Red Devils. It won’t come easy; they must fight for what they desire on Sunday.

Manchester United labored to a 4-3 win at Wolves in midweek; it was a result that came off the bench. The bravery, forced by frustrations, earned United a last-gasp win, thanks to youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who sliced through the Wolves' defense to find the curler.

West Ham is a lot more organized than Wolves, but the Old Trafford atmosphere should help the hosts deliver better. In terms of performance, United has yet to truly inspire confidence; they need to start showing more intent.

Manchester United could move up to sixth on the log with a win over the Hammers; that’s a good enough incentive to go all the way, but West Ham will challenge them from start to finish; it will be a game of who wants it more.

Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are the two players to watch out for; the United defense must pay attention to the two players who can spring surprises at key points in the game. What is Erik Ten Hag’s plan to defend against them?

Marcus Rashford is under the spotlight for underperforming; it’s time for him to step up. Alejandro Garnacho oscillates between brilliance and mediocrity in split seconds. He’s getting lots of minutes; it’s time for him to justify his inclusions too.

The midfield battle will be key; Casemiro is expected to pair Kobbie Mainoo while Bruno Fernandes plays in the hole ahead of them. Thomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez, and new signing Kalvin Phillips will challenge United in the middle.

Manchester United must be wary of committing fouls near their own box. James Ward-Prowse will be willing to punish any wrongdoing in that regard. His conversion rate from set pieces is the envy of many in the league.

Rasmus Hojlund is beginning to show signs of what the club thought they signed; his numbers are improving, but United doesn’t create too many chances for Hojlund to convert. A lot must change for the Red Devils to get to where they dream of.

Verdict: Both teams scored.