Carrick to make 1 big change vs West Ham as £66.3m Man Utd star returns
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make one big change to the starting line-up for Tuesday’s Premier League game against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The Red Devils secured a fourth-straight league win after a solid performance against Tottenham Hotspur at home last weekend. Bruno Fernandes was the man of the match in the 2-0 triumph.
United’s focus will now turn to Tuesday’s kick-off against the Hammers on the road. The east London side have been a bogey club in recent years, having won four of the previous six meetings.
The reverse fixture at Old Trafford ended in a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils have the perfect opportunity to make amends and boost their Champions League prospects with a fifth straight victory.
Ahead of the midweek encounter, Carrick could make a solitary change to the starting XI.
The 44-year-old has largely preferred to name an unchanged line-up, barring injuries. Matheus Cunha has started on the left wing over the past couple of matches after Patrick Dorgu’s injury.
The Brazilian has fared well under Carrick with three goal contributions in his last four appearances, but he could be given a breather to facilitate Benjamin Sesko’s first start since January 7.
Sesko scored a brilliant stoppage-time winner against Fulham coming off the bench this month, but he was once again a late substitute against Spurs, where he should have scored at the death.
Bruno Fernandes delivered a fabulous cross into the Slovenian’s path, but his tame header was straight at the goalkeeper. He will want to redeem himself and could be reinstated into the XI on Tuesday.
The Hammers have the second-worst defensive record in the league this term, conceding 48 goals. This is a game suited to Sesko’s counter-attacking pace and his good aerial presence in the box.
West Ham are likely to take the game to United based on their recent performances. This could provide Sesko the opportunity to get behind their backline, which has been vulnerable all season.
Sesko has come on as a late substitute for Cunha in the last two outings. It could be the other way around this time. The £66.3 million signing could lead the line with Bryan Mbeumo moving to the left wing.
Amad Diallo’s work rate and defensive contributions should keep him in the XI. The Ivorian should start on the right side of the attack, with Fernandes operating in his regular number 10 position.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .