Erik ten Hag admitted ahead of Manchester United’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday that he named his strongest XI at Molineux, with the squad rejuvenated by the recent return of players from injury.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Casemiro have all come back in the last few weeks and, while the defensive performances are still lacking, United have looked more assured going forward. The front three of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford clicking has certainly helped, with the trio scoring seven in the last three league games.
Therefore, Erik ten Hag is expected to select a similar team to face West Ham United on Sunday.
The Hammers are a point clear of seventh-place United and comfortably dispatched Ten Hag’s side when they met just before Christmas. But this feels like a different team with a plethora of departures in January and the aforementioned players returning.
United are also expecting Sofyan Amrabat to be available this weekend while Victor Lindelof could return from a layoff of nearly two months with a groin problem. However, neither of the duo are expected to return to the starting line-up against a West Ham side who won just once in the last six games since that win over United on 23 December.
With that in mind, here’s how we think United will line up for Sunday’s game…
1. GK: Andre Onana
Didn't have his best night against Wolves and could have done better for two of the goals.
2. RB: Diogo Dalot
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka out, Dalot is the only option at right-back.
3. CB: Raphael Varane
Like Onana, didn't cover himself in glory for two of Wolves' goals on Thursday.
4. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Was excellent at Molineux in his first league start since September. Ten Hag said the ice applied to Martinez's foot after he was withdrawn was just a precaution.