Manchester United are set to play host to West Ham in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
A win for the hosts takes them to fifth place in the Premier League table, while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need the three points to get out of the relegation zone.
After the 2-0 loss to Liverpool and injury issues plaguing West Ham, the visitors go into this game as the underdogs.
Airidas Golambeckis during Milton Keynes Dons v West Ham United U21 - Vertu Trophy
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images
Airidas Golambeckis travels with West Ham team but does not make matchday squad
A lot has been discussed about Nuno not giving youngsters a chance, but this game could be one where he does exactly that.
George Earthy, Ezra Mayers and Mo Kante have all been named on the bench by the Portuguese manager.
One name missing is Airidas Golambeckis, who does not feature in the matchday squad.
However, the highly-rated West Ham youngster did travel with the rest of the team, but he was the player who had to miss out due to limited squad places.
Who would you have chosen to replace Lucas Paqueta at Old Trafford and why?
“It was a tough match against Liverpool, but we managed to compete well for large spells. Unfortunately we didn’t achieve the result we wanted, but the feeling was that we competed until the last minute.
“I think we played well offensively, but we needed to make better decisions in the final third. The accuracy of our passes, shots and combinations just wasn’t quite there.That’s what we have to look for on Thursday.
“We continue to work on the training field through repetition, and by trying to innovate as well. It requires that, because if things aren’t working, we have to change.”
– Nuno on his plans for Man United
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Who is Golambeckis?
Golambeckis is a centre-back by trade, but is capable of playing as a midfielder and has played there on a number of occasions for the reserves.
The 18-year-old has played against players two or three years older than him and instead of looking out of place, he appears to be among the best players in comparison to his compatriots.
The teenager was born in England, but is eligible to represent Lithuania as he has Lithuanian heritage.
While he did make his debut for the Lithuania Under-17s, he has represented England at the Under-18s and Under-19s levels.
Golambeckis knows what it means to be at West Ham. Is Nuno wrong not to take a punt on him?
“I’ve been an East London boy my whole life. I grew up watching West Ham, thinking maybe one day I could play for them.”
– Golambeckis, 2025
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Kenny Brown has been impressed with Golambeckis
Kenny Brown is West Ham’s academy manager and has overseen the development of a number of talented youngsters over the years.
He has worked closely with Golambeckis and has nothing but good things to say about the young Englishman.
When the 18-year-old signed his West Ham contract, Brown said: “Airidas is where he is not only because of his footballing ability but also because of his exemplary attitude. They go hand in hand.
“To have a future in the game, you need to show the Academy values, and he displays them every day in the classroom, in the gym, on the pitch, and even away from here.”
The future most certainly seems to be bright for him and it remains to be seen whether or not Nuno gives him a first-team chance this season.
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