West Ham vs Man United: How Carrick can maintain hot streak – analysis | OneFootball

Manchester United travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Tuesday in a pivotal Premier League clash, with kick-off set for 8:15pm – and both sides have plenty on the line.

United head into the contest on a four-match league winning run since Michael Carrick took over, most recently beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes scored as the away side played most of the match with 10 men. This run has pushed Carrick’s side into fourth place with 44 points from 25 matches.

West Ham, however, are fighting at the other end and start the week in the relegation zone. The London club are 18th on 23 points after a 2-0 win away at Burnley on Saturday.

Tactical themes

The first question is how ambitious West Ham will be in possession. Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams are often comfortable defending in a compact shape before breaking quickly.

This approach can make the opening phase look rigid. The hosts will try to force play wide and protect the middle, especially if United attempt to build with Lisandro Martinez’s short passes from the back.

United’s recent improvement has come from Kobbie Mainoo controlling central zones for longer spells before accelerating once the first line is beaten. The Tottenham win featured patient circulation and a clear plan to attack the box quickly once space opened up.

For West Ham, the priority will be turning any United turnovers into immediate forward runs. Jarrod Bowen remains a key outlet, while Crysencio Summerville and Callum Wilson have also contributed goals this season.

Set pieces are another likely swing factor at the London Stadium. United have the delivery to create repeat pressure, while West Ham will value dead-ball relief when defending deep.

Match-ups to watch

Wide duels should be decisive. The Hammers will want Bowen and Summerville receiving early to isolate full-backs, while United will look for overlaps from Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot to pin them back and stop counters at source.

The midfield battle is equally important. If United keep their spacing tight around the ball with Casemiro, West Ham’s counter-attacking lanes narrow and the hosts are pushed into longer clearances rather than controlled exits.

At the other end, east London side will aim to make United defend their own box for spells. That threat grows if the home side win second balls and keep attacks alive after the first cross.

Selection calls

Mbeumo’s nine league goals and Fernandes’ creativity give Carrick a reliable spine for away games. Matheus Cunha also has six goals and offers a direct running threat between the lines.

West Ham will hope their weekend win becomes a platform rather than a one-off. The home crowd should respond if Nuno’s side start sharply and keep the scoreline tight into half-time.

For United, Tuesday’s trip is a chance to back up recent momentum away from Old Trafford. The tactical challenge will be staying patient if West Ham sink into a low block and try to turn the match into a cagey affair.

Summary – Key takeaways

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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