Lakshay Khurana
West Ham vs Manchester United
West Ham United and Manchester United face off in an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday with the competition looking as though it’s United’s best hope of retrieving something from what has largely been an awful season.
Red Devils fans have had to put up with a lot this season, having been knocked out of the League Cup, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and after a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they now seem like they’re not likely to qualify for Champions League next season. Van Gaal must not take any risky managerial decisions at Upton Park on Wednesday, if he wants to do well in the only tournament the club has hopes left for.
West Ham almost stole the victory during the first quarterfinals match against United at Old Trafford. West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet gave his club a 1-0 lead in the 68th minute with an amazing free-kick. Anthony Martial recovered with an equalizer in the 83rd minute, after a cross from midfielder Ander Herrera, keeping the FA Cup title hopes alive.
Team News:
Timothy Fosu-Mensah was injured against Spurs on Sunday is doubtful to make an appearance against The Hammers.
Wayne Rooney has returned to training and played in the under-21 match but it still seems that he won’t start against West Ham but might make an appearance as a sub.
Facts:
- Manchester United was eliminated at this stage last season to the eventual FA Cup winners, Arsenal.
- West Ham is winless in their last 11 competitive meetings with Manchester United.
- United in this tie, have not lost at Upton Park since 2010 when they were beaten 4-0 in the League Cup.
Key Players:
Anthony Martial: The French footballer has been consistent throughout the season and has shown his worth all along. His performance is always better than most in the team. At the left-wing, he is capable to do more than his duties and can grab a goal or two against the Hammers again if given enough support.
Andy Carroll: The English forward has recently scored a hat-trick bringing West Ham back in the match from a 2 goal trail against Arsenal on weekend. Carroll has recently been in a decent form and can damage the poor defence of United at Home.
Follow Match:
Venue: Boleyn Ground
Time: 19:00 BST (23:30 IST)
Referee: Roger East
