Preview - Manchester United
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit to
Old Trafford
26.09.2014
MANCHESTER UNITED v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
OLD TRAFFORD
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3.00PM
REFEREE: LEE MASON
In brief
West Ham United travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Saturday
as Sam Allardyce's men look to extend their good run of form. The Hammers
beat Liverpool 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday through goals from
Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho and Morgan Amalfitano.
West Ham have made a bright start to the campaign, securing seven points
from five games. Yet there is a feeling around the club that the level of
performances deserve even more.
Manchester United, however, suffered a humiliating 5-3 loss to Leicester
City last Sunday as they collapsed having been 3-1 ahead. The new Red Devils
manager, Louis van Gaal, has had a turbulent start to his reign at Old
Trafford, taking only five points from as many games.
Related stories
Big Sam on: Manchester United
Chadwell Chatter
Manchester United betting preview
Who are they?
Formed in 1878, Manchester United are one of the most successful clubs in
English football. Having won the record amount of league titles - a
staggering 20 times - they have also won eleven FA Cups, four League Cups
and three European Cups.
However, since the retirement of manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the
2012/13 season they have struggled. David Moyes' tenure lasted less than a
season as the Red Devils finished seventh in a poor season.
Former Barcelona, Ajax and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has since
taken the reigns. The Dutchman has spent over £150m on new players including
the likes of Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw, yet the Manchester
club are yet to hit their stride.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without midfield engine Cheikhou Kouyate who picked up a
groin injury against Liverpool. He is expected to be out for around six
weeks.
Also on the sidelines are Andy Carroll (ankle) and Joey O'Brien (knee). The
good news for Hammers' fans is that captain Kevin Nolan is back in full
training. Both Nolan and Jarvis could feature in an U21 match on Monday
night in an attempt to regain match fitness.
Manchester United
The Red Devils' defensive problems have been worsened by the injury to Jonny
Evans (foot). England internationals Phil Jones (hamstring) and Chris
Smalling (thigh) are both a few weeks away from fitness. Luke Shaw is
expected to make his first league start at left-back.
United will also be without ex-West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick (ankle),
Ashley Young (groin) and Marouane Fellaini (ankle).
Referee
Lee Mason will take charge of proceedings on Saturday. The experienced
referee has overseen Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa and Manchester City's
loss against Stoke City - two of the surprise results of the season. In his
three games so far he has given seven yellow cards and is yet to show anyone
a red card.
Last season, West Ham won only one of the four league games Mason refereed,
which included red cards for James Tomkins and Mark Noble.
The assistant referees are Andrew Garratt and Ian Hussin, Mike Dean is the
fourth official.
One to watch
West Ham United
Morgan Amalfitano was the last of nine signings to join the club in a busy
summer. The French midfielder scored four goals on loan at West Bromwich
Albion last season including a fantastic solo effort against Manchester
United.
Amalfitano is a versatile player who can play on either wing, as a No10 and
in a central position. He could play in place of the injured Cheikhou
Kouyate as Sam Allardyce looks to continue his team's good run of form.
Manchester United
Having impressed at the 2014 World Cup Daley Blind looks to be a good bit of
business at £14m. The energetic Dutchman can play in a number of positions
both in defence and midfield.
Having come through the prestigious Ajax youth system he was voted Dutch
Player of the Year for the 2013/14 season.
Alongside the capture of Angel Di Maria, Blind impressed on his debut as
Manchester United dismantled QPR 4-0. Blind has started in central midfield
in both of his two appearances, yet in light of the defensive injuries, van
Gaal may well play Blind in defence.
Tickets
All tickets for the match, including coach travel have now sold out.
Travel
By Car: Leave the M6 motorway at Junction 19 taking the A556 towards
Altrincham. This leads onto the A56 to Manchester. Follow the A56 for about
six miles and look for Sir Matt Busby Way on your left. The ground lies
about 400 metres down Sir Matt Busby way although on match days this road is
closed to all cars without parking permits.
Train: Regular services run to Manchester Piccadilly. From there you can
take a train to Old Trafford. A similar train operates after the game back
to Manchester Piccadilly.
For more information go to: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares
Tram/Metrolink: The nearest tram station to Old Trafford is located next to
Lancashire County Cricket Club on Warwick Road, which leads straight up to
Sir Matt Busby Way and takes about a ten-minute walk.
To plan your tram journey use:
http://www.gmpte.com/content.cfm?category_id=102783
Weather
Cloudy, with brief sunny spells. The temperature is forecast to be around
17C (63F).
Last Old Trafford meeting
Manchester United 3-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
21 December 2013
The hosts won comfortably as Danny Welbeck and Adnan Januzaj scored to put
Man United 2-0 up at half-time. Ashley Young's goal sealed the points as
Carlton Cole netted a consolation late on. The away defeat left West Ham a
point off the relegation zone before a revival in the second half of the
season.
Manchester United: de Gea; Rafael, Evra (Buttner 80), Smalling, Evans;
Valencia, Jones, Cleverley, Januzaj (Young 69); Welbeck (Hernandez 54),
Rooney
Subs: Johnstone, Giggs, Fletcher, Kagawa
Goals: Welbeck 26, Januzaj 36, Young 72
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, McCartney, Collins (Rat 75), Tomkins; Taylor
(Collison 62), Diame, Noble, Morrison, Jarvis (C Cole 71); Maiga
Subs: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Diarra, J Cole
Goal: Cole 81
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actically speaking - Man Utd
WHUFc.com
An in-depth analysis of how the Red Devils might approach Saturday's meeting
with the Hammers
26.09.2014
Tactically speaking - Manchester United
The starting XI
De Gea
Rafael Fletcher Rojo Shaw
Blind Herrera Di Maria
Rooney
Van Persie Falcao
The formation
Manchester United's formation has been a source of much fascination since
the arrival of Louis van Gaal as manager and the influx of big-money summer
signings. In last weekend's 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, the Red Devils
employed a fluid system that made it difficult to pinpoint exactly where
each player was lined up formation-wise. However, educated observers have
labelled the starting formation as a 4-3-1-2, albeit with attacking
midfielder Angel di Maria lined up alongside defensive midfielders Daley
Blind and Ander Herrera. At the back, Rafael and Marcos Rojo were flying
forward at every opportunity from their nominal starting positions as
full-backs. Both centre-backs from last weekend's defeat at the King Power
Stadium - Jonny Evans and Tyler Blackett - are expected to miss Saturday's
game, with the Northern Ireland international nursing a foot injury and
Blackett suspended after his red card against the Foxes. Up front, Wayne
Rooney lined up behind central strikers Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.
The playing style
Manchester United are clearly still looking for a settled playing style
under new manager Van Gaal. However, it appears that one thing is already
set in stone - there will be goals and chances at both ends of the pitch
when the Red Devils are in action. With so many talented attackers and
midfielders in their side, Manchester United are a team which prize
possession of the football, playing a short, passing style inside the
opposition half. The Red Devils have thrown men forward with abandon in
recent matches, with the full-backs in particular keen to support the
attack. This, however, has left their centre-backs and defensive midfielders
exposed and allowed opposition teams to create decent opportunities to score
against them. While their defensive solidity may not be so convincing, going
forward Manchester United remain a real threat - hardly surprising when you
list the likes of Di Maria, Van Persie, Rooney and Falcao in their side.
Individually, Di Maria has caught the eye since his arrival from Real Madrid
by picking up the ball and running at pace at the defence, either creating
an opportunity to shoot, exchange passes or to play in one of his
team-mates. Di Maria is just one of a host of players who will not be afraid
to let fly from range, with the deep-lying Rooney a major threat to do just
that.
The players
While his favoured formation remains something of a mystery, Van Gaal's
selection of players also presents something of a guessing game.
David De Gea is the clear first-choice goalkeeper. The Spaniard may not
appear physically imposing, but he is 6'4 tall and is both agile and brave.
Like many continental goalkeepers, De Gea is also a quick and accurate
distributor of the football. The back four - or three - that Van Gaal
utilises against West Ham is likely to be a very unfamiliar one. Youngster
Blackett, who has started all five league games so far, will miss the game
through suspension. Meanwhile, England internationals Phil Jones and Chris
Smalling are nursing hamstring and thigh injuries respectively, and Evans is
out with the ankle problem he suffered at Leicester. If news reports are to
be believed, Argentine Marcos Rojo, who filled the left-back berth at
Leicester, could partner one of Manchester United's younger defenders at
centre-back. Either Tom Thorpe, 21, or Paddy McNair, 19, could start.
Alternatively, Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher or Dutchman Daley Blind
could drop into the back four.
Lively Brazilian Rafael is likely to start at right-back, while the
left-back position could be filled by England youngster Luke Shaw. Should
Shaw start, it would mark a debut for the former Southampton player, who is
blessed with great pace and stamina.
In midfield, Blind and Spaniard Ander Herrera will provide the shield for
the back four. Blind is a versatile performer who came through the Ajax
Academy and has all the hallmarks of his upbringing - good technique, calm
in possession and keeps the game moving.
Herrera is more attack-minded and will appear in the opposition penalty box.
Both are mobile and get around the pitch well, as you would expect for
players aged 24 and 25 respectively.
The front four for Manchester United need little introduction.
Di Maria is a top player. Predominantly left-sided, the Argentine is quick,
technically superb and always on the move. With or without the ball, he is a
constant threat. Rooney gets on the ball regularly in his new attacking
midfielder/No10 role behind the two strikers. As always, he will work hard
for the team and help out defensively when the need arises - both from open
play and set pieces. Van Persie is well-known to Premier League audiences,
but Colombian Falcao perhaps less so. Having arrived from Monaco with a huge
reputation, Falcao is a quick, strong right-sided centre forward who
finishes accurately from all positions, when he receives service from his
colleagues.
The statistics
By Ben McAleer
Ahead of West Ham United's meeting with Manchester United, football stats
website WhoScored.com has taken the chance to preview the encounter. The
Hammers enter the fixture high on confidence after a morale-boosting 3-1 win
over Liverpool last weekend. West Ham's performance against the Reds won
them plenty of plaudits and supporters will be hopeful they can repeat the
display when they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday. United have ample
attacking talent but have proven to be shaky at the back, particularly in
the shock 5-3 reverse at Leicester on Sunday.
With Louis van Gaal short on defensive options heading into the encounter,
West Ham will be confident that the high-pressing game adopted in the win
over Liverpool will reap rewards once more. Strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencia both played essential roles in Saturday's victory and the duo
between them have netted three of West Ham's nine league goals this season.
The pair were hugely influential at the weekend, pressuring the Liverpool
defence and not allowing them time to settle, and against United, similar
could occur if they repeat their performances from the Boleyn Ground
victory.
One of United's statistically calculated WhoScored.com weaknesses is
'defending against long shots' and West Ham have developed a knack for
netting from distance this season, Valencia's effort in the 2-2 draw with
Hull a case in point. The Hammers could punish the 2012/13 Premier League
champions if they are afforded space to shoot from distance, which could
result in a second home league defeat of the season for United.
With a rejuvenated Stewart Downing operating behind Sakho and Valencia, West
Ham have become a much more unpredictable side going forwards and the team
are benefitting as a result. Only three teams - Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal
- have scored more league goals than the Hammers (nine) so far this season
and against a defence that conceded five last time out, Sam Allardyce will
look to attack on Saturday.
Despite their short time together, Sakho, Valencia and Downing's blossoming
partnership has contributed to West Ham's impressive start to the season.
With Mauro Zarate in reserve, Allardyce has plenty of options in attack and
if the starting trio are on song this weekend, the chance of West Ham coming
away from Old Trafford with all three points increases considerably.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble talks about the win over Liverpool, the Olympic Stadium and
facing Manchester United
25.09.2014
Hello,
I hope everybody enjoyed our 3-1 win over Liverpool last Saturday, I
certainly did! As captain, I was incredibly proud of the effort every single
one of players put in. The result was no less than we deserved and I came
off the pitch on Saturday thinking that was a proper team performance.
Another positive is the effect the new players have had. Diafra Sakho has
been in great goal scoring form and Enner Valencia's talent is clear to see.
Another player who has done really well who perhaps has gone under the radar
a little bit is Aaron Cresswell. He seems to have made the step up from the
Championship to the Premier League pretty seamlessly so full credit to him.
Overall the new players have all settled in really well and have undoubtedly
improved the team. It is definitely the best squad I've been involved in
during my ten years as a first team player. We are a powerful, strong team
now. We've got a lot of skilful players and boys that can finish well so
it's a pleasure to be playing at the moment.
On Tuesday I was at the opening of the Reservation Centre at Westfield
Stratford where everyone can buy their Season Tickets and hospitality
packages for the New Stadium. It's less than two years to go until the move.
As everyone knows, time goes very quickly in football. I remember making my
debut ten years ago now and the time since then has flown by! Just thinking
ahead to match-days at the new ground it's going to be amazing. The fans
will be able to do a bit of sightseeing and then come to a West Ham game,
it's going to be fantastic.
Having seen the progress made on the stadium, it looks like everything is
coming together and I'm really looking to it. Once it is completed it will
be truly be an amazing arena to play in, certainly as good, if not better
than any stadium I've ever played in before.
Speaking of great stadiums, we're heading to Old Trafford this Saturday with
every chance of coming back with a good result. I've had some mixed results
there during my time but I always look forward to playing there. How can you
not?
My most memorable game was the day Carlos Tevez scored as we won on the last
day of the season to save us from relegation. If I can have half that
feeling of when we stayed up that would be amazing.
Whereas in previous years we've had to 'park the bus' due to their quality,
we're going up there now with a good chance of getting something out of the
game. The Club, the staff and certainly the players are looking forward to
it.
Don't get me wrong, they're still a fantastic team with world class players
and we're certainly not going to underestimate them. Coming back from that
incredible 5-3 game with Leicester they'll be hurting and looking to bounce
back.
Having said that we know they've got some chinks in their armour and we'll
be looking to exploit them come Saturday. We're in good form, we've got good
players and we're feeling confident. We'll take that onto the pitch at Old
Trafford and hopefully come away with a positive result!
Come on you Irons
Nobes
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Six of the best: Manchester United
WHUFC.com
A look back at six memorable away wins over Saturday's opponents Manchester
United
25.09.2014
Old Trafford was for years regarded as a fortress for Manchester United
under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. But perhaps now, after an
indifferent 2013/14 campaign, there is an air of vulnerability about the Red
Devils. Here, whufc.com takes a look at six memorable away wins for West Ham
against Saturday's opponents.
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
13 May 2007
West Ham travelled to newly-crowned Champions Manchester United on the final
day of the 2006/07 season needing a point to be sure of their Premier League
status. As it was, the Hammers took all three points thanks to Carlos Tevez,
who scored on the stroke of half-time, placing his shot past Edwin Van der
Sar after exchanging passes with Bobby Zamora. The visitors were able to
hold out in the second half as they ensured top-flight football would be
played at the Boleyn Ground for another season.
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
8 December 2001
West Ham inflicted a third straight league defeat on the Red Devils as a
single goal from Jermain Defoe was enough to earn them all three points. The
defining moment came with 64 minutes on the clock as the diminutive striker
headed home unchallenged at the far post following excellent work by Paolo
Di Canio. Visiting keeper David James then made a string of fine saves to
keep his side in front and earn himself a precious clean sheet.
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
FA Cup Round Four
28 January 2001
A game famous for the antics of United's eccentric French goalkeeper, Fabian
Barthez, saw the Hammers through to the fifth round of the FA Cup. 76
minutes had elapsed when Paolo Di Canio bore down on goal with Barthez
stood, one hand aloft, appealing in vain for an offside decision which never
came. The Italian proceeded to slot the ball past the Frenchman, leaving the
Red Devils and their bemused fans out of the FA Cup.
Manchester United 2-3 West Ham United
First Division
25 August 1986
The second game of the 1986/87 season saw the Hammers rise to the top of the
first division with an entertaining win over Manchester United. A goal from
Alan Devonshire and two from Frank McAvennie steered the away side to their
second successive win at Old Trafford.
United did however to go onto finish four places above West Ham, ending the
season in eleventh place.
Manchester United 0-2 West Ham United
FA Cup round five replay
9 March 1986
The Hammers had disposed of Ipswich and Charlton to earn a fifth round tie
with Manchester United. After a 1-1 draw four days earlier the visitors
eased through to the sixth round thanks to a trademark penalty from Ray
Stewart and a goal from Geoff Pike. The cup run was halted just three days
later in the next round, as a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday sent the
Hammers crashing out.
Manchester United 0-2 West Ham United
First Division
27 November 1976
West Ham had suffered eight defeats out of nine games before they journeyed
to Old Trafford lying in a precarious 22nd place in the league. Billy
Jennings and Trevor Brooking were the heroes in claret and blue as they
eased the mounting pressure on the Club. By the end of the season the
Hammers had managed to stabilise and finished the campaign in 17th place.
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Brown aims to bring down Royals
WHUFC.com
Goal-hungry U18s striker Jordan Brown wants to fire the Hammers to victory
over Reading on Saturday
26.09.2014
West Ham United U18s striker Jordan Brown is aiming to continue his
impressive goal scoring record when the Hammers travel to Reading on
Saturday. Having started the season with four goals in five Barclays U18
Premier League fixtures, along with a further two at the Champions Cup event
at Tottenham Hotspur in early September, Brown told whufc.com that he is
determined to keep banging in the goals.
"The season has gone well for me personally," said Brown, who joined the
Hammers from Arsenal at the start of his two-year scholarship in summer
2013. "There are areas of my game that I still need to work on that, if I
put the work in to change them, I'll be able to take my game to a higher
level."I'd like to be adding more goals to my game. I've scored a few now
but I want to score even more."That's four goals in five league games for
me, but I also scored two in the Champions Cup tournament at Spurs so things
are going well for me!"
This season, Brown has become one of the more experienced players in the
Hammers' Academy side, after being joined in the U18s by several members of
the U16 squad.
The former Gunner is setting his sights on moving up to Nick Haycock's
Development Squad, for whom he featured at Tottenham Hotspur from the bench
in August. Despite wanting to reach that level as soon as possible, Brown
understands that with the quality ahead of him, he will have to be
patient."I want to be playing at the highest level that is available," Brown
continued. "I'm being patient at the moment because I know that there are
some fantastic strikers ahead of me."I know that I've just got to keep
performing well on the pitch and also keep banging the goals in because it's
playing well like that will get me noticed more."
West Ham's U18s head into Saturday's fixture at Reading off the back of a
3-2 home victory over Southampton last weekend. England U16 international
Brown got himself on the scoresheet again by netting the equaliser as the
Hammers came back from 2-0 down after 22 minutes to be level by half-time,
before substitute midfielder Kieran Bailey volleyed in a late winner. Brown
and his team-mates were delighted to achieve success from a losing position,
although they know how important it is to learn from the opening half-hour
as they look to push on this season. "We were impressed with the result but
know which areas that we have to work on. In the first half, we came out
quite slow. We are happy with the final hour of the match, but the first 30
minutes wasn't good enough and we know that. "We could stand here and blame
a change in formation, but we are all good enough players to be able to
adapt to whatever system that Steve Potts and Mark Phillips put out on the
pitch each game.
"It seems to happen often that we come out quite slowly in games and give
the other team the upper hand. If we can change that and come out dominating
the game from the start, it will give us a better chance of scoring more
goals and winning more games in the future."
West Ham take on Reading at Hogwood Park on Saturday 27 September at 11am.
The game will be played behind closed doors, but we will bring you live
Twitter updates here.
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Mediawatch - 26 September
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
26.09.2014
The manager's pre-Manchester United press conference is covered extensively
in Friday morning's papers, with Big Sam admitting in the Mirror that he
expects a Red Devils backlash following their 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.
The Daily Express carries quotes from Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal,
in which he suggests he has only one fit central defender. In the Guardian,
Enner Valencia says the Hammers have a bright future, particularly with
their impending move to the Olympic Stadium. The Evening Standard says Kevin
Nolan and Matt Jarvis are on the verge of returning from injury.
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Nations Cup 2015: No place for Song in Cameroon squad
BBC.co.uk
There is no place in the latest Cameroon squad for West Ham's Alex Song,
despite the fact he has completed a three-match ban. The Indomitable Lions
are set to play Sierra Leone on 10 and 15 October in Group D of 2015 Africa
Cup of Nations qualifiers. Song was given the suspension after being sent
off during Cameroon's second match at the World Cup. He was dismissed for
elbowing Croatia's Mario Mandzukic in the 4-0 loss. The 28-year-old missed
the final Group A match in Brazil, a 4-1 loss to the hosts, and then
Cameroon's opening two Nations Cup qualifiers. Following the World Cup, he
joined English Premier League side West Ham on a season-long loan from
Spanish giants Barcelona. There is a recall for the Lyon defender Henri
Bedimo, who missed the qualifying wins against DR Congo and Ivory Coast
through injury. Cameroon are set to host both qualifiers against Sierra
Leone in Yaounde as the Leone Stars are unable to play at home due to the
ongoing outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the country.The Indomitable
Lions are top of Group D after the first two matches with the top two sides
in each group guaranteed to qualify for January's finals in Morocco.
Cameroon squad:
Goalkeepers: Pierre Sylvain Abogo (Tonnerre Yaounde), Guy Roland Ndy Assembe
(Nancy, France), Joseph Ondoua (Barcelona, Spain)
Defenders: Frank Bagnack (Barcelona, Spain), Henri Bedimo (Lyon, France),
Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Jerome Guihoata (Valenciennes, France), Bana
Moussa (Coton Sport), Nicolas Nkoulou, Brice Nlate (both Marseille),
Ambroise Oyongo (New York Red Bulls, USA)
Midfielders: Enoh Eyong (Standard Liege, Belgium), Marc Kibong Mbamba
(Konyaspor, Turkey), Raoul Cedric Loe (Osasuna, Spain), Georges Mandjeck
(Kayseri Erciyesspor, Turkey), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla, Spain), Benjamin
Moukandjo (Stade Reims, France), Edgar Salli (Monaco, France), Guy Christian
Zock (Cosmos Bafia)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Porto, Portugal), Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting
(Schalke 04, Germany), Jean Marie Dongou (Barcelona, Spain), Frank Etoundi
(FC Zurich, Switzerland), Leonard Kwueke (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Clinton
N'Jie(Lyon)
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Man Utd v West Ham
KO 15:00
26 September 2014
Last updated at 11:05
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 27 September
TEAM NEWS
Marcos Rojo is Manchester United's only fit central defender, with Phil
Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans injured and Tyler Blackett suspended.
That could mean a debut for Tom Thorpe or Paddy McNair, along with summer
signing Luke Shaw at left-back. West Ham will be without midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate, who has been ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury. Fellow
midfielders Kevin Nolan and Matt Jarvis have returned to training but are
not ready to be involved. I can't remember a match in modern times when
Manchester United have needed a result more than they do this weekend.
Leicester created shockwaves with their amazing comeback victory on Sunday,
leaving United with their worst ever start to a Premier League season.
That's even more remarkable considering they are yet to face a team who
finished higher than 12th last season. It's not going to get any easier this
weekend with Louis van Gaal's fragile defence shorn of more players. Tyler
Blackett, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are missing from the side that lost
to the Foxes, so Van Gaal may need to turn to youth to make up the
numbers."I would like to think that West Ham will play the same way they did
against Hull and Liverpool, which was both about as far away from a typical
performance from a Sam Allardyce team as you can get. "In both of those
games, the Hammers got in the opposition's faces and attacked them with lots
of pace. I was really impressed."
Wayne Rooney hasn't had an easy to start to life as captain, but this game
comes a day before the 10th anniversary of his United debut. He hit a
hat-trick against Fenerbahce on that occasion and will be desperate to
celebrate in style this weekend. It's hardly a lucky ground for West Ham,
with 16 defeats in their 18 Premier League meetings and just two victories,
although the last of those wins in 2007 particularly sticks in the memory.
Carlos Tevez, embroiled in a row over his registration, controversially
scored the winner to save the Hammers from relegation and instead send down
Sheffield United. West Ham have improved considerably since last season -
demonstrated by last weekend's 3-1 win over Liverpool. Their attacking
reinforcements of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have impressed and Sam
Allardyce has praised the impact of new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham in
helping the movement of his forwards. Stewart Downing didn't have much end
product last season but has already provided three assists in this campaign,
while Alex Song has stiffened up midfield alongside Mark Noble, although
Cheikhou Kouyate's absence against United is a blow. Even with a record as
bad as theirs, West Ham can go into Saturday full of confidence. Old
Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester United have taken 31 points from their last 11 Premier League
games against West Ham.
The Hammers have won just two matches in their last 21 visits to Old
Trafford in the top flight - the other 19 were defeats.
West Ham have scored nine goals in 18 Premier League games at Old Trafford
and never more than one in a single game.
Manchester United
United have made their worst ever start to a Premier League season with five
points from five games. Defeat against West Ham would make it their worst
start to a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they had four points after
six games.
They have won just one of their last six league games.
Louis van Gaal's side are yet to face a team who finished in the top half of
the table last season, having played Sunderland and Swansea and all three
promoted clubs.
They have lost 10 of their last 25 home games in the league. The previous 10
defeats came across a period of 148 games.
Wayne Rooney needs one more goal to reach 175 and become the outright
third-top scorer in Premier League history, overtaking Thierry Henry. Only
Alan Shearer (260) and Andy Cole (189) have scored more.
West Ham
West Ham have scored five goals in their last two away games. That is one
more than they managed in their previous six matches on the road.
Sam Allardyce's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier
League matches.
Stewart Downing's three assists in five games this season is more than he
managed in the whole of 2013-14 when he managed two in 32 appearances.
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Collison completes Ipswich switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jack Collison has signed for Ipswich Town on short-term deal.
Collison, who was released by West Ham at the end of the last season had
been training with a number of clubs since leaving but finally put pen to
paper earlier today with the Championship club.
"There is a good squad here and a lot of competition for places so I know it
will be no easy task to get in the side," Collison told itfc.co.uk. "It's
down to me to get my head down and work hard and impress the manager enough
for him to give me a chance in the team. Then I've got to take that chance.
"In the short space of time I've been here I have enjoyed working with the
players and the manager. There is a good feel about the place and everyone
knows what a great club Ipswich is. "I'm here until the end of December and
we will see what happens after that. All I am focused on at the moment is
getting back to playing football again, enjoying my football again and
getting in the team. "It's been well documented about my injuries over the
last few years but I feel fit and ready to go. It will take me a couple of
weeks before I'm knocking on the door but I'll be working hard and doing my
best to get in the team." Collison made 121 appearances for West Ham in his
seven years at the club.
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Manchester United meet West Ham at Old Trafford
Last Updated: 26/09/14 10:27am
SSN
Louis van Gaal is already having to deal with the word 'crisis' as
Manchester United welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford on Saturday.
United have won just once in six competitive games since Van Gaal took
charge in the summer and the experienced Dutchman also has defensive worries
for the visit of West Ham. Last week's 5-3 defeat at Leicester saw United
throw away a two-goal lead to lose in the Premier League for the first time
and left the 20-time champions with just five points from five games. Louis
van Gaal has confirmed he is down to just one fit centre-back for Manchester
United's home game against West Ham on Saturday. Van Gaal is also likely to
have a mix-and-match pairing at the heart of his defence as he contends with
criticism of the club's failure to sign a dominant centre-half during the
transfer window. The splurge on attacking reinforcements, though, has reaped
dividends after seven goals in the last two games, and record signing Angel
di Maria has made an instant impact since his arrival from Real Madrid.
United will hope that, given their defensive travails, West Ham will head
north displaying the impotence which has delivered just three goals in their
last nine league games at Old Trafford.
West Ham have also lost 10 of the last 11 league meetings between the two
clubs, but will go into the game four places above their opponents in the
table.Sam Allardyce's side are also unbeaten in their two away games this
season after following up a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace with a 2-2 draw at
Hull City.
Opta Facts
Manchester United's total of five points from five games is their worst haul
at this stage since 1989-90.
West Ham have scored a league-high four goals from outside the box this
season.
Manchester United have conceded six penalties in their last 15 Premier
League games – before this run, they hadn't conceded one in 85 PL matches.
Allardyce also saw his team impress in beating Liverpool at home last week
as two goals in the opening seven minutes laid the foundations for a 3-1
success.
Andy Carroll's absence will deprive West Ham of a physical presence to
unsettle United's makeshift defence, but Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho
have the talent to cause plenty of problems.
Team news
Teenage defender Paddy McNair could make his first-team debut against West
Ham after Van Gaal's squad was decimated by injury. Tyler Blackett
(suspended), Jonny Evans (ankle), Chris Smalling (thigh) and Phil Jones
(hamstring) are all out, which leaves Marcos Rojo as Van Gaal's only fit
senior centre-half. Left-back Luke Shaw is expected to make his debut, but
midfielders Ashley Young (groin), Michael Carrick (ankle), Jesse Lingard
(knee) and Marouane Fellaini (ankle) are unavailable.
West Ham will be without midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for Saturday's trip to
United. The Senegal international has been ruled out with a groin injury
suffered in the 3-1 win over Liverpool and could be missing for up to six
weeks. Captain Kevin Nolan is back in training following a fractured
shoulder but will not be considered at Old Trafford, whilst Matt Jarvis
(thigh) is in a similar position.
Joey O'Brien (knee) and Carroll (ankle) are also missing but James Collins
is in contention to start after coming off the bench last weekend.
Paul Merson's prediction:
This game all depends on how Sam Allardyce approaches it. If West Ham go to
Old Trafford and have a go at them, like they did at home to Liverpool, then
they will cause absolutely loads of problems because United are terrible at
the back. If they go there, sit back and try to defend then they will fizzle
out and lose, so surely you have to go there and go for them? I hope they do
that because they'll give them a right game. It could go one way or another
and that's why I'm making two predictions for this game!
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2 (if Allardyce goes for it) or 2-0 (if he doesn't).
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Striker Enner Valencia glad to be playing for West Ham
Last Updated: 26/09/14 9:13am
SSN
West Ham striker Enner Valencia admits he is 'living the dream' following
his £12million summer move to the Premier League club. Having joined the
Hammers in July from Pachuca, Valencia made his first league start earlier
this month against Hull City and capped off an impressive performance with a
superb long-range goal. After getting his Premier League career off to a
good start, the Ecuador forward says his hopes have been realised and is now
eagerly anticipating Saturday's trip to Manchester United. "I had to work
with my dad on the farm milking cows and then sell the milk to buy my first
boots," Valencia explained. "I used to watch the Premier League on TV and
now I'm living the dream. I can say that it has been a good start, the way
that I have adapted to the Premier League. "I knew about West Ham mainly
from films. I remember Green Street. I was not scared. I respected the fact
they are very passionate supporters and, when I found out I was coming here,
I didn't know what to expect." "Anyone can beat anyone in this league.
Everyone loves to play United and I would love to beat them." Valencia
admits he was initially wary of life in England after watching 'Green
Street' – a film about football hooliganism which was named after a road
next to West Ham's ground Upton Park. "I knew about West Ham mainly from
films. I remember Green Street," the former Emelec striker said. "I was not
scared. I respected the fact they are very passionate supporters and, when I
found out I was coming here, I didn't know what to expect. "As soon as I
arrived I was told that all that was in the old days and it has all changed
now. "Also, here in England, fans are respectful whereas in South America,
if you lose a match you can't even go out in the street. "Here, after we
lost the opening game (to Tottenham) people stayed in the stadium and showed
their support. I liked that."
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West Ham hotshot Diafra Sakho can beat my record says former Hammer Leroy
Rosenior
Sep 26, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Sakho has enjoyed a good start to life in claret and blue scoring in his
first three fixtures; at Old Trafford, he goes in search of four in four
The Mirror
The last man to score in his first three West Ham games believes Diafra
Sakho has every chance of breaking his 26-year-old record at Manchester
United this afternoon. Leroy Rosenior netted against Watford, United and
Sheffield Wednesday back in 1988. Sakho, who has hit the target against
Sheffield United, Hull and Liverpool, has Louis van Gaal's Gaalacticos in
his sights. Rosenior, now a Premier League commentator, said: "It is
difficult as a striker at any level but scoring in three games on the trot
at the start of your career at a new club is very, very difficult. "To do it
for West Ham, with the pressure and the situation that they had found
themselves in – anxious at having not taken their opportunities in front of
goal – is even more impressive. "West Ham really do take players to their
hearts if they start well. But it isn't just the goalscoring that will have
impressed them, they'll also be delighted with Sakho's work rate and his
effort."Those goals, though, will give him time to settle in. To be playing
like that is terrific. It will give him real confidence in himself going to
Old Trafford."
Sakho, 24, signed a four-year deal at Upton Park in August after plundering
20 goals to help Metz win the Ligue 2 title in France.
Club insiders are delighted that they spent just £4.7million on the
Senegalese striker instead of the £8million Sunderland were demanding for
Connor Wickham, who has yet to score this season in five Premier League
appearances. Rosenior believes Sakho provides the cutting edge to what many
fans believe is the strongest Hammers squad for some time. He added:
"Sometimes you go to Manchester United with a bit of fear, thinking 'What
are we going to get?' "But West Ham can go there with a bit of confidence
feeling that they can definitely score.
If they can get their noses in front they have every chance of getting a
result. Sakho gives them that belief."The other new faces have helped him.
Their arrival has sparked a change of tactics. West Ham are now playing with
a diamond. "Stewart Downing is playing the best football I've seen from him
for many years and Enner Valencia is creating space for Sakho as well. "Then
you've got Alex Song behind them bringing an air of confidence. They will go
to United full of belief. Whether they can keep a clean sheet or not is
another thing.
I remember scoring on my debut for West Ham against Watford. That was
massive for me because I'd only joined the day before. "I signed on the
Friday and turned up in the dressing room at Upton Park an hour before the
game and met the team the following day! I knew Tony Gale, who had been at
Fulham."I put on my strip, went out and played, scored the winner and came
off exhausted after an hour and collapsed."I hadn't trained with the team
beforehand. I remember running through, whacking the ball and seeing it go
through the their keeper Tony Coton's legs."I took a lot of confidence from
it though – and I hope Sakho does even better now."
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Downing: This West Ham United signing has helped me improve
John Verrall
HITC
Stewart Downing says that West Ham United signing Alex Song has helped his
own performances. The addition of Song at Upton Park has allowed Downing to
play with more freedom, as he knows that there is more defensive solidarity
behind him, and he cites this as one of the major reasons for the
improvement in his performances. "Signing Alex Song has helped me," Downing
said to The Telegraph. "I'm playing further up and he does a lot of the
other (defensive) work. This season it is like a totally different club. The
new signings have given everyone a lift." Song joined on a season-long loan
deal from Barcelona in the summer transfer window and was quite a coup for
Sam Allardyce's side. Although the Cameroonian has a questionable
temperament, he is a talented midfielder, who has spent large parts of his
career playing Champions League football, and his arrival offers some
valuable experience to the Hammers' squad.
Song made his debut for the side in a 2-2 draw against Hull City, where he
came off the bench late on, but it was against Liverpool last weekend where
he showed his true value. The defensive midfielder dictated player and
showed good energy in one of the most impressive performances West Ham have
put in for some time. The Hammers ran out 3-1 winners with their new brand
of attacking football catching the eye against the top-four contenders. In
that match, Downing thrived in an attacking midfield role, as he adopted a
new central position.
The England international has spent most of his playing career as a winger,
but has been resurgent as the side's main creator and he is clearly enjoying
life at Upton Park as a result. "I'm absolutely loving it at the minute,''
said the 30-year-old. "I always thought when I got older I would go inside
but probably not this early. It's certainly given me a new lease of life.''
Song and Downing will now be hoping to build on their impressive
performances when the Hammers take on Manchester United on Saturday, and
their experience should prove key for Allardyce's men as they try to cause
an upset.
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"Pressure on AC will do him the world of good"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 26, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold is convinced that Andy Carroll is set to thrive on the
competition provided by Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho when he returns to
action. That now looks likely to be around the middle of November with the
striker already running and preparing to start kicking balls next week.
After that he can look forward to rejoining the first team squad , reserve
team games and a return to first team action.But's not going to be a
cakewalk slipping back into the new look Irons team where Valencia and Sakho
look to have settled in double quick time.
Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "I believe we will have
a player back who has been sorted…all his problems will be behind him. "The
plantar fascia injury is now totally understood by our medics maintained and
he has had surgery on the loose ankle – a problem suffered by many
footballers. He added: "Andy know the competition he faces and will thrive
on it. These are exciting times for him and everybody else. This is a
really good squad." Sam Allardyce has this week spoken of the importance
that Carroll suffers no more long term injuries and that he keeps himself in
tip top condition. And Gold saying: "It's up to every player to keep himself
in good shape and I'm sure Andy will do so – he's a professional who wants
to give everything to the cause. "I know too that he's desperate to get back
into the England team and the pressure for places at the club can only be
good for him on that front. Exciting times for us all."
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Former Hammer: Great time to meet Man Utd
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 26, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former Hammers central defender turned pundit Tony Gale disagrees with
manager Sam Allardyce that this is not a good time to meet Manchester
United. Allardyce has made it clear that he wants to hear no such talk as
the Irons squad head for Old Trafford. But Gale clearly isn't listening
declaring: "It's a terrific time to meet them but what we musn't do is sit
back and defend because we have two excellent guys up front. "Enner Valencia
and Diafra Sakho are not 6ft 4 in strikers – they have real pace and can
cause big problems.
"Luis van Gaal has some real troubles and West Ham can go up there with a
real chance."
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