Manchester United are currently on cloud nine after two emphatic cup wins as they look for a third in a row against West Ham United in the FA Cup 5th Round. United came back from a goal down to beat Barcelona at Old Trafford before securing silverware in Wembley against Newcastle. Now they have another home tie against the Hammers before a huge league game at Anfield.

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag have established that the job is not done after winning the Carabao Cup. They are pushing on all fronts and looking to continue their good form at home to 16th placed West Ham. The away side will be overjoyed with their most recent 4-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest but have bigger fish to fry with trips to Brighton and then Cyprus to come. They may choose to take a free hit and rest a few players. However the number of big clubs already out of the FA Cup could give them access to a European place. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and West Ham United
Date: Wednesday 1st March 2023
KO Time: 19:45pm
Location: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and David Moyes
Referee: Michael Salisbury

Manchester United Team News vs West Ham United

Erik ten Hag confirmed that Anthony Martial will continue to sit on the sidelines along with Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek due to injury. Martial and seeminly Eriksen are on grass but are not yet ready to feature. Luke Shaw and Fred are doubts which hint at returns for Tyrell Malacia and Marcel Sabitzer for this game. Players such as Casemiro, Antony, Wan-Bissaka and Varane could be rested for the trip to Anfield and allow others to feature in their place. Harry Maguire could lead the team out following his first ever major trophy.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have won their last four home ties against West Ham 1-0. They have not scored two home goals against the Hammers since a brace of penalties from Paul Pogba in 2019.
• The last time Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham was a 0-1 loss at home in 2001.
• Both Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire could make their 165th appearances for Manchester United in just four seasons at the club.

Predicted XI:

I could see Manchester United giving Jack Butland his first appearance of the season but I am more inclined to expect David de Gea to get a round of applause and a start after breaking the record for the most clean sheets in the club’s history.

Diogo Dalot was hauled off at half time but I think he will start this one and Wan-Bissaka will be rested to deal with the combined threat of Jota and/or Nunez on Sunday. Maguire should come in while I anticipate Martinez will still start to fend off Antonio or Scamacca. Malacia will be given the task of handling a resurgent Jarrod Bowen.

In midfield, I am certain Sabitzer will start. Whether he does with McTominay or Casemiro, I am unsure. However, I think the Brazilian will start and make way if/when needed. Bruno Fernandes doesn’t get rests, doesn’t rests and doesn’t want rests. He will start. Antony may be given more recovery time and Sancho could come in. While I anticipate Weghorst and Rashford will start and one or both will get taken off depending on the scenario.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Sabitzer; Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford; Weghorst

Predicted Score:

Manchester United do tend to beat West Ham at home and with expected changes for the away side, it could be a good game at Old Trafford for Ten Hag’s men. We know he does not like to rotate when possible. Therefore it would be expected that a strong side starts to make a statement of intent – to win trophies and keep winning them. I will be at Old Trafford for this game, so am hoping for a big win! However, I do expect this game to continue in the same vein of form as other home games against West Ham. A tight and narrow win.

Manchester United to win 1-0