Portuguese duo Ruben Amorim and Nuno Espirito Santo will go head-to-head at Old Trafford when Manchester United host West Ham.
Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign on Thursday evening when they host a struggling West Ham side.
Ruben Amorim has history with Nuno Espirito Santo dating back to their time as players in Portugal.
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However, as managers, it is Nuno who has come out on top. Last season, Nuno’s Nottingham Forest did the double over Amorim’s United. The Red Devils boss has never managed to beat his Portuguese peer.
Ahead of their next meeting, Nuno was very complimentary about his opposition.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo (L) and Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim (R)
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Nuno Espirito Santo points out Man Utd improvement
Last season, Nuno capitalised on Amorim’s tough start at United to pick up six points when he was in charge of Nottingham Forest.
This season, though, there have been significant improvements in United’s performances and results.
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On Thursday, it is United who will head into the game as favourites as Amorim looks for his first victory over Nuno.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Nuno said: “I think they are a good team, and they are playing well at the moment. You can see that from their last game at Crystal Palace, when they competed really well and achieved a good result.
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Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, celebrates
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“We are expecting a tough opponent full of talented players.
“Manchester United’s improvement is there for everybody to see.
“Ruben and I are both Portuguese, and we’ve met each other many times. Now on Thursday we’re going to be on different sides to each other, but I have a lot of respect for him, and we are companions in the job we do.”
Man United team news to face West Ham
There is positive injury news for United heading into Thursday’s clash – Matheus Cunha is back available.
The Brazilian playmaker has been sorely missed in recent weeks, and he can expect to compete with Mason Mount for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko’s injury will likely rule him out again, while Harry Maguire has also missed recent games and could be sidelined again.
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West Ham will be without Lucas Paqueta following his red card against Liverpool.
Former United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka can expect to start at Old Trafford, though, and he could be tasked with marking Cunha on Thursday evening.