West Ham vs Manchester United
Premier League
Saturday
23rd December 2023
London Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between West Ham and Manchester United.
West Ham vs Manchester United: Preview
West Ham form analysis
The Hammers came into this run of mixed results hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone after an underwhelming start to David Moyes’ second spell in charge. On November 25th away at Burnley, the Hammers fought back from a goal down to win 1-2 courtesy of Soucek’s injury time winner. Building on this morale boost, West Ham then battled to a creditable 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace four days later thanks to Ghanaian youngster Kudus’ first Premier League goal.
However, a reality check followed in their next match away at Champions League-chasing Spurs where despite Bowen’s equalizer, West Ham succumbed 1-2 to Ward-Prowse’s winner. The Hammers then suffered their heaviest defeat under Moyes in a chastening 0-5 thrashing away at high-flying Fulham. Looking to stop the rot, an emphatic 3-0 home win over struggling Wolves on December 17th got West Ham back on track, with inform forward Kudus bagging a brace before Bowen added gloss late on. Overall it’s been a mixed bag for the Hammers as they struggle for consistency in a tight table.
Manchester United form analysis
Manchester United came into this tricky run of fixtures looking to build some momentum after an inconsistent start. On November 26th away at struggling Everton, United made an excellent start by racing to a 0-3 win thanks to goals from prodigious youngster Garnacho along with Rashford and Martial’s second half strikes. However, their progress was checked by a sobering 1-0 defeat away at high-flying Newcastle four days later, unable to break down the Magpies’ stubborn defense.
Bouncing back quickly, United then edged past top four rivals Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford as midfielder McTominay bagged a vital brace around Palmer’s equalizer. But United’s inconsistency returned in an alarming 0-3 home thrashing by struggling Bournemouth on December 9th, with defences all at sea. Most recently against historic rivals Liverpool at Anfield, United battled to a creditable 0-0 draw despite late controversy with Dalot receiving a late red card. Overall it’s been a mixed bag under Ten Hag thus far as United struggle for consistency in a congested race for Champions League qualification.