Manchester United vs West Ham Preview

• Draw
• Under 3.5 goals

It’s been a season to forget in the Premier League for Manchester United, but their European campaign has given fans something to finally smile about. On Thursday night, Old Trafford roared back to life as the Red Devils secured a stunning 4-1 comeback win over Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg. The emphatic performance wrapped up a 7-1 aggregate victory and booked United’s place in the final, offering them one final chance to salvage silverware and restore a bit of pride.

Now, with two league games remaining before that final, manager Ruben Amorim will hope to use these fixtures to fine-tune his squad and rebuild some momentum. That will be easier said than done, however, as Manchester United are currently enduring a six-match winless streak in the Premier League (D2, L4) — a run only once surpassed in the club’s top-flight history, dating all the way back to 1992.

There have been too many disappointments, defensive lapses, and lost leads in this campaign, but one area where United can still be confident is their home form against West Ham. The Red Devils have won each of the last four Premier League H2Hs at Old Trafford without conceding a goal, and they’ll be hopeful of extending that run as they seek to close out the domestic campaign on a positive note.

Hammers Hoping to Avoid the ‘Worst Survivor’ Tag

For West Ham, the end of the season brings a different sort of concern — not relegation, but the dubious honour of potentially finishing as the Premier League’s lowest-ranked surviving team. The Hammers currently occupy 17th place, and given how much promise their early season form showed, that finish would be seen as a major disappointment.

Their record at Old Trafford will do little to boost morale either. West Ham haven’t won away at Manchester United in the league since 2007, and in the 16 visits since, they’ve managed just three draws (L13). Still, there is some reason for optimism. West Ham have beaten Manchester United in three of their last four Premier League meetings overall, and they’ll be encouraged by those recent results even if none came on the road.

Under Graham Potter, West Ham’s form has been poor. Since the former Brighton and Chelsea manager took over in January, only the already relegated clubs have taken fewer points. The Hammers are now without a win in their last ten Premier League matches (D3, L7), a stretch that includes damaging defeats to the likes of Southampton, Wolves, and Brighton.

Potter’s side has lacked defensive organisation and consistency in front of goal — problems that have plagued them since early spring — and unless they find a spark here, a finish just above the drop zone looks increasingly likely.

Key Players to Watch

Mason Mount (Manchester United)

After a frustrating and injury-disrupted debut season at Old Trafford, Mason Mount appears to be finding his feet at just the right time.

The midfielder played a starring role in United’s Europa League semi-final triumph, scoring twice against Athletic Club, including a composed finish that showcased his quality.

Having also netted the late winner in United’s recent 1-0 league win over Brentford, Mount now has three goals in his last two appearances. With creative spark and energy in midfield, he could again be central to United’s attacking efforts against a vulnerable West Ham defence.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)

West Ham’s top scorer and most consistent performer this season, Bowen has carried the attacking burden for much of the campaign. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Bowen remains a constant threat with his direct running, sharp movement, and eye for goal.

He’s already reached double figures in the league and has previously found success against United, making him a key figure if the visitors are to spring a surprise at Old Trafford.

Tactical Overview & Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s defensive fragility has been a recurring theme this season. They’ve conceded late in matches and have often looked vulnerable to counter-attacks — something West Ham are capable of exploiting, particularly through Bowen’s pace on the break. However, United’s attacking potential, particularly with Mount back in form, gives them the edge here.

Amorim is expected to rotate some players with one eye on the Europa League final, but he’ll still demand a professional performance. The pressure to finish the season with dignity in the league — even if a European trophy could mask their domestic failings — remains high.

West Ham, meanwhile, will be desperate to end their dreadful run and climb out of 17th, but with confidence at a low ebb, it’s difficult to see them springing an upset. Their best hope may be to frustrate United early and look to steal something through set-pieces or swift counters.

Hot Stat

Four of Manchester United’s last six Premier League goals have been scored after the 80th minute — a warning to any side looking to sit back and protect a narrow lead at Old Trafford.

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Man Utd v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League