MY ACCOUNT
– Manchester United have kept clean sheets in their last four games at Old Trafford
– West Ham have failed to score in two of their last away Premier League games
– Recommended Bet: Manchester United to keep a clean sheet
David Moyes goes in search of his first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager when his improving West Ham side take on Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Moyes has lost nine of his last 11 top-flight visits to the Theatre of Dreams, including two of his three Premier League trips there with the Hammers.
The Scotsman bemoaned his side’s lack of goals again in midweek after they dominated Silkeborg but only won 1-0 in the Europa Conference League.
United hit three against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League, but Erik ten Hag’s side have managed only 16 in 11 rounds of the Premier League.
However, only three clubs in the division have scored fewer goals than the Hammers this season and Moyes knows that must change quickly if they are to climb back into top-six contention.
Team news
United forward Anthony Martial is set to miss Sunday’s clash with a back injury and fellow France international Raphael Varane remains sidelined until the World Cup with the hamstring injury he sustained against Chelsea last weekend.
Club captain Harry Maguire made his return from injury as a half-time substitute in Thursday’s 3-0 win over Sheriff, as did midfielder Donny Van De Beek, who made his first appearance since August.
Both are likely to be back on the bench again this Sunday with Lisandro Martinez partnering Victor Lindelof at the heart of United’s defence while Fred returns from a midweek rest to rejoin Brazilian compatriot Casemiro in midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his case to return to the Reds’ Premier League line-up after scoring against Sheriff.
West Ham will check on Jarrod Bowen, who missed their home win over Silkeborg with an ankle injury.
Lucas Paqueta (shoulder), Craig Dawson (dead leg) and Maxwel Cornet (calf) are still out.
Nayef Aguerd made his long-awaited competitive debut for the club in midweek after returning from a serious ankle injury and impressed.
But Moyes played down suggestions that the Moroccan defender could be ready for a Premier League bow at Old Trafford.
The stats
United’s 16 Premier League goals this season are three fewer than after 11 games of the last one, although the Red Devils have three more points than they did at the same stage in 2021-22.
Bruno Fernandes has not got a goal in five previous Premier League appearances against West Ham and has only faced Chelsea (6) more often without scoring in the top flight.
West Ham have lost more away Premier League matches against United than they have against any other side (21), while the Red Devils have only won more home games against Tottenham (24).
Moyes, who spent 51 games in charge of the Red Devils, has not won in 15 Premier League away visits to Old Trafford as a manager, losing 11 times.
The Scottish boss’ teams have scored just 10 goals across those 15 visits, although his Everton side did score four in a memorable 4-4 draw in April 2012 that dented United’s title hopes.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net for various reasons this season and a low-scoring affair might well be on the cards for this clash of two Uniteds.
Ten Hag’s team have scored just eight goals at home this term — 19 fewer than neighbours Manchester City.
But United have been much tighter at the back, shipping only two goals in their last four games at Old Trafford against Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
West Ham will sit deep in a low block and attempt to catch United out on the break, but that has become a little harder to do since Casemiro swapped Real Madrid for Manchester.
The Brazilian’s positional sense and accurate passing could be enough to keep the Hammers at bay in a game where a fourth straight home clean sheet is available to back at 7/5 with LiveScore Bet.
