Manchester United are back in action in the FA Cup as they host West Ham United at Old Trafford in the 5th Round on Wednesday, March 1. Last Word on Football tries to put together a Red Devils Predicted Lineup as they look to follow up the Carabao Cup final win by defeating the Hammers and heading into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs West Ham United
Focused on our next test ⚒️#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/MPYRBhO0y6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
After being widely praised for his impressive management at Old Trafford so far, Erik ten Hag is still hungry to win more trophies with the Red Devils after the Carabao Cup triumph. He appears to have a fully united dressing room (mind the pun) and is seemingly well aware of which players are best available for different games amid the difficult schedule.
United were arguably at their strongest possible in the game against Newcastle at the weekend. That includes a settled back-five of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw – out of which the right-back seems rotatable on major occasions. Casemiro and Fred have made themselves quintessential midfield clogs – while Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes are too influential to drop. As long as Anthony Martial is out, Wout Weghorst keeps playing.
Read More: Gabriele Biancheri Confirms Manchester United Move
Despite seemingly settling on one team for the last few games, Ten Hag is likely to change around his team from the one that started the Carabao Cup final. Some players, including Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Fred need some rest and could be given just that against West Ham. Harry Maguire – who was defended for being “bullied” by Patrice Evra a few months ago – should make his return in this one. Marcel Sabitzer’s promising cameo against Newcastle is likely to grant him a start alongside the well-rested Tyrell Malacia.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
Manchester United have been one of the most in-form teams in Europe since after the World Cup break. They have won 15 out of the 21 games played since late December, only losing once. Moreover, the Red Devils also have won more games (across all competitions) than any other team in Europe.
A core reason for that is because of Ten Hag’s tactics and how he has encouraged them to maintain a positive, attack-minded approach to every single game. While the gaffer does prioritise possession, he is more about moving the ball quickly from defence to attack – with the centre-backs playing key roles in progressing moves smoothly.
Read More: Manchester United Player Ratings From Their Carabao Cup Triumph
Casemiro and Sabitzer often drop deep to help create space for others – with the latter also given license to roam around in the final third, looking for goals or setting up chances. Bruno Fernandes has excelled in the no.10 role – where he can move anywhere he wants and is given more leverage to send his teammates through on goal with his slick final passes.
Antony and Marcus Rashford both love to take on defenders on the wings. But instead of creating chances, they prefer getting the ball into the box and getting themselves into scoring positions as much as possible. Weghorst might’ve only scored one goal so far for United, but has been impressive in other areas.
Read More: Manchester United Set to Face Stiff Competition for Jude Bellingham Transfer
The Dutch striker is relentless with his pressing and often helps win back the ball inside the opposition’s half. His link-up play has been impressive too, as exemplified in him setting up Rashford’s goal against Newcastle. As long as the Red Devils can be fast and incisive with their attacking moves – as they’ve been in recent games – they should cause major problems for the Hammers.
However, Ten Hag’s side also needs to be wary in not overcommitting with numbers. West Ham can be deadly in counter-attacks themselves – with the likes of Jarred Bowen and Said Benrahma rapid on the break and striker Danny Ings in good form with his clinical finishing.
While the Red Devils are going to be respectful of West Ham, they have all the momentum in the world right now. The Man United players will aim to use that momentum and the energy of the buzzing Old Trafford crowd to run rampant on the visitors’ defence with thrilling, fast-paced attacking football and sail their way to another win.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Anthony Martial is still out with an injury. Luke Shaw and Fred are doubts with slight knocks. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still out for the rest of the season.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst
