For the first time in his career, former West Ham United midfielder Michael Carrick will manage a team against them.
Carrick is the talk of the town in the Premier League right now. Installed as interim Manchester United manager last month, he has since won all four of his games in charge.
Now, he brings his team down to a West Ham United side in fine form themselves. It will be a challenge for the Irons, but also one for the Red Devils.
Here’s my hot take….
Doing a great job at Old Trafford – but there’s no way he’d have been a better fit to get us out of this mess than Nuno…
A graphic asking fans to 'prove us wrong' on the argument that Michael Carrick would do a worse job than Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham.
Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Indeed, Manchester United have a poor record at the London Stadium, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won three of their last four Premier League games.
Despite riding the crest of a wave in Manchester, Carrick knows all about the threats Nuno’s team have in their arsenal.
Michael Carrick says West Ham have some very good attacking players
The visitors will be expected to dominate possession, even in an away game. Only Burnley average less possession at home than West Ham.
As such, that could give West Ham a major advantage. They have fine players on the counter, such as Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Taty Castellanos just scored his first Premier League goal, while Callum Wilson is closing in on 100 goals in the competition.
Carrick is well aware of the talent that West Ham have in attacking areas.
Asked about the Hammers during his pre-match press conference, Carrick said: “They’ve got some really good attacking players.
“So, you know, we’ve looked at them already and kind of have an idea with that, as they will have done for us, you know? But yeah, they’re a threat, they’re a threat, and when they get a head of steam at home, they’re a dangerous team, so definitely got to be ready to cope with all that.”
This is NOT good…. 😡
What's your prediction for the match? And who would we miss most?
A graphic showing a quote from West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Credit: Getty Images/ Justin Setterfield
Nuno has also been praising West Ham’s attacking players
Over the last five games, only Man United and Chelsea (12) have scored more goals than the Irons.
Summerville is equalling scoring records right now, underlining just what a hot streak of form he’s in.
Nuno hasn’t always had a lot to shout about in east London but the level of attacking talent at his disposal has been something he’s also talked up in recent weeks.
Nuno Espirito Santo during West Ham's Premier League match against Sunderland.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In fact, speaking after his side beat Burnley on Saturday, Nuno said: “Up front, we have talent that can help us.
“[It’s because of] talent, talent, talent [that we’re scoring so many early goals].”
Goals have not been a huge issue for West Ham this season. It’s keeping them out that has been their downfall thus far.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox