Manchester United vs West Ham: Premier League Preview, Team News & Stats
In an upcoming Premier League clash, Manchester United will face West Ham United. This match holds significant historical context for both teams, particularly for Manchester United, who have struggled recently against the Hammers.
Match History and Statistics
The rivalry shows a concerning trend for Manchester United. They have lost four of their last five encounters with West Ham in the Premier League. In contrast, their previous 28 matches against West Ham resulted in 19 wins, six draws, and just three losses.
- Last season, West Ham won this fixture 2-0.
- This victory ended a 16-match winless run at Old Trafford in league play for West Ham.
- The last time West Ham achieved back-to-back wins at Old Trafford was in March 1934.
Recent Performance
Last season, West Ham managed a league double over Manchester United. They last won three consecutive matches against the Red Devils between December 2006 and December 2007. Additionally, Manchester United has an impressive home record midweek, going unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League home games, with 14 wins and three draws. Their last midweek loss was a defeat to Liverpool in May 2021.
- West Ham’s Thursday match statistics show only two losses in 13 games.
- They have recorded six wins and five draws on Thursdays.
Current Challenges for Both Teams
Manchester United faces a challenging December, having lost nine of their last 14 Premier League matches during this month, including the last three without scoring a single goal. Prior to this slump, they were unbeaten for 15 consecutive games in December.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s recent form on the road has been underwhelming. They have not secured a win in their last four away games, with two draws and two losses. This trend began after their initial victory over Nottingham Forest. The last West Ham manager to experience such a slow start in away Premier League matches was Avram Grant in 2010.
Key Players to Watch
Jarrod Bowen proved pivotal for West Ham last season, scoring in both matches against Manchester United. The last player to accomplish such a feat against the Hammers was Jermain Defoe during the 2001-2002 season. For Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has faced West Ham 11 times in the Premier League without finding the back of the net. He has taken 27 shots against them without success.
Implications of the Match
This match poses a crucial opportunity for both teams. If Manchester United were to lose, it would signify a significant misstep for manager Rúben Amorim. He currently has nine losses in 19 Premier League matches at Old Trafford. A defeat in this match would mark the quickest loss of ten home matches for a Manchester United manager.
As the teams prepare for this exciting fixture, both sides will be eager to showcase their strengths and capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses in this pivotal Premier League showdown.
