Manchester United vs west ham: Latest team news, predicted line-ups and injury update ahead of premier league clash
As Manchester United prepare to host west ham United this weekend, manager Ruben Amorim is expected to make wholesale changes to his side, with eyes firmly fixed on the looming Europa league final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on 21 may. United sealed their place in the all-english showpiece with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club, prompting Amorim to shift focus towards protecting key players over the remaining domestic fixtures.
United face two premier league games before that final – beginning with west ham at old trafford on sunday, followed by a visit to Chelsea on friday night. Their top-flight campaign wraps up after the final, with a home fixture against Aston Villa on 25 may. But with the Europa League now the priority, rotation is expected to take centre stage in the coming week.
Amorim has made it clear that while he does not intend to take unnecessary risks, some key figures may still feature in order to maintain rhythm. “They will play because sometimes it’s better to play,” he said, hinting that captain Bruno Fernandes may be among those handed minutes to preserve sharpness.
On the injury front, United’s medical team remains busy. Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Joshua Zirkzee all remain sidelined. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, is expected to be rested after picking up a knock in midweek, despite not requiring immediate treatment. Noussair Mazraoui and Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom were withdrawn during Thursday’s second leg, are also likely to sit out this weekend due to fatigue after a demanding run of fixtures.
In contrast, there is encouraging news surrounding Mason Mount and Amad Diallo. Both players made a notable impact off the bench against athletic club, staking strong claims for starting berths in the Europa league final. Mount, whose debut season at United has been plagued by injury since his move from Chelsea, could benefit from additional minutes to build fitness and confidence. Similarly, Amad made his return from an ankle injury recently and is expected to feature again to regain match sharpness.
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Youngsters Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass, and Chido Obi – who all started in the 1-1 draw against brentford last weekend – are tipped to keep their places in a rotated side. With Amorim keen to protect senior players, the trio may once again be given a platform to impress.
Kobbie Mainoo, another emerging talent, came off the bench in the Europa league semi-final and is expected to start against west ham. Christian Eriksen is also in contention for a midfield role, while Mason Mount and Amad Diallo could start out wide.
West ham, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on United’s expected changes. David Moyes’ side are still pushing for a top-seven finish and could benefit from the hosts’ divided attention. Lucas Paquetá and Jarrod Bowen are expected to be key threats, while James Ward-Prowse could return to the starting XI following recent rotation.
Predicted manchester united line-up:
Bayındır; Fredricson, Amass, Lindelöf, Kambwala; Mainoo, Eriksen; Amad, Mount, Obi; Højlund.
Predicted west ham line-up:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Soucek, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paquetá, Kudus; Antonio.
As United navigate a balancing act between securing league points and preparing for European glory, fans can expect to see a youthful, hungry side take to the field against West Ham – one looking to prove a point in the manager’s long-term plans.
