Manchester United clash with West Ham United this Tuesday is an extremely important Premier League match-up that may very well determine their top 4 chances.
If United were to win, they would overtake Manchester City and move into 4th place with just one game to go on Championship Sunday.
A fourth place finish for Louis van Gaal, who has recently become a Gunners supporter, will certainly silence some critics and would definitely give the Red Devils a boost going into their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
United will travel to Upton Park coming off a narrow 1-0 over Norwich City this past weekend where a late Juan Mata goal would end up being the difference.
Here is United’s strongest possible lineup against 7th place West Ham –
Goalkeeper
David de Gea will be taking his place in goal and the brilliant Spanish keeper will be needed to come up big once again to keep a clean sheet. The world-class keeper had another outstanding match against Norwich, saving a dangerous header from Cameron Jerome early in the match.
Defence
Right back Antonio Valencia has given United a huge boost since his return from injury while left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson should be handed the start. Borthwick-Jackson entered the match for the injured Matteo Darmian and slotted in well after some time spent on the bench.
Daley Blind was recently rested in favor of Marco Rojo, but the latter reminded us all of Blind’s consistency and footballing brains by not dealing well with the problems Norwich caused the United defence. Blind returns to the back four and will be partnered with Chris Smalling, who put in another solid performance and even got forward to aid in the attack at times.
Midfield
Michael Carrick did well to shield the back four and also influenced the match with some some incisive passing at Carrow Road. He will be handed another start and should be paired with Morgan Schneiderlin. Vice-captain Carrick will be asked to provide much needed leadership down the stretch as United chase Champions League qualification.
With an injury to Anthony Martial and a rest given to Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney made a rare start at striker and the United captain did well to create the chance for the Mata goal. Joining Rooney will be Adnan Januzaj occupying the left side of the attack and Juan Mata on the right side.
Forward
As previously mentioned Marcus Rashford was given a rest over the weekend and although United did grind out the win, the decision to rest a young in-form striker was questionable. The United attack was a bit toothless without the young Englishman but Rashford will certainly be back Tuesday at Upton Park.
