The benefits of four consecutive Premier League wins have drastically changed the mood at Old Trafford, propelling Michael Carrick firmly into the conversation for the next permanent head coach of Manchester United.
His team, marshalled by the weekly brilliance of Bruno Fernandes, has earned a five-point cushion on sixth-placed Liverpool ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to face relegation-occupying West Ham.
Nothing can ever be taken for granted in England’s top tier, but should United earn another three points, they will climb above Aston Villa into third position ahead of their Wednesday fixture against Brighton.
Disregard Carrick’s capabilities for a long-term stay if you wish, but today’s scenario is a long way from the struggles we’ve become accustomed to at M16.
Nonetheless, Nuno Espirito Santo is determined to steer the Hammers to safety and will look to channel the momentum of three wins from his side’s previous four outings.
Furthermore, recent history will bolster optimism at the London Stadium, and it would take a brave punter to completely disregard the threat regardless of their unsavoury standing in the table.
Manchester United Team News
Carrick was forced to work without the services of a trio of his first-team stars during the weekend victory against Spurs.
An unfortunate hamstring issue called a halt to Patrick Dorgu’s impressive form against Arsenal, and the Dane is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt continue on their respective rehabilitations, but the quick turnaround in domestic scheduling has played a significant role.
“Mason will probably not [be ready] for Tuesday, probably after, but definitely gone into the Everton game, he’ll be back,” Michael told the media.
“Matta (De Ligt), we’ll see how he develops over the, you know… the Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we’ll see how he develops.
“But he’s positive, he’s moving in the right direction, but Mason’s a little bit closer than him.”
Not only will victories against Burnley, Sunderland, and Spurs motivate the West Ham faithful, but the prospect of building on three consecutive home successes against their Manchester guests will add additional spice.
Staggeringly, it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who last earned a Premier League victory in East London in September 2021, thanks to an 89th-minute Jesse Lingard winner.
But this United team is playing with confidence and a brand of swagger befitting the jersey, while riding a high as the league’s form side.
Regardless of what has been and gone, they appear determined to seal a return to Champions League football, and a timely southern win will go a long way towards achieving this.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno, Cunha; Mbeumo.
How do you think Carrick’s men will fare against West Ham? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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