David Moyes confirms double West Ham injury blow ahead of Man Utd clash

David Moyes will remain without forwards Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio for this weekend's Premier League clash against Manchester United.

West Ham head to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to do the double over United, following their 2-0 win at the London Stadium in December. The Hammers drew 1-1 against Bournemouth on Thursday, their third consecutive stalemate in the league.

It's been a strange run of form in an otherwise positive season at West Ham and that is thanks in part to the absence of talisman and creator-in-chief Paqueta, who has been out since the start of January with a calf injury. The Brazilian remains unavailable for this weekend, joining long-term absentee Antonio on the sidelines.

"I can't really tell you right now,” Moyes admitted on Friday morning when asked about injury news. “It's a quick turnaround but hopefully everyone will be okay. There's no more update from where we were. 

“We're still dealing with the players that have been injured, and that's where we are. Lucas Paqueta won't be back this weekend and Michael Antonio is back running on the grass."

United pulled to within one point of Sunday's visitors with a dramatic 4-3 win at Wolves on Thursday, having thrown away a two-goal lead before seeing Kobbie Mainoo win it in the 97th minute. Victory somewhat eased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag but each poor result is met with frustration among supporters.

Moyes understands that feeling, having led United through a dismal 10-month spell as the immediate successor to Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013. But the Hammers manager insists his opposite number is 'privileged' to be in the home dugout at Old Trafford but understands the pressures.

"Erik is in a privileged position to be manager of Manchester United. I think he understands and respects it," Moyes added. "I think he's tried to enforce the way he wants his team to play and work, and I can only give him credit for that. When you're in that job, you're expected to win and play well, and I respect that. They certainly got a great result away at Wolves last night.

"We played very well against them at London Stadium and we're going to Old Trafford, which is such a hard place to get results. We'll try to put on a good performance. We're in a good run of form in the league in the main, and we'll try to keep going."