3 Things Manchester United Must do to Deny a West Ham Victory

Manchester United will try to get back to the top of the Premier League when they host West Ham United in the Premier League. United were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City in the last round but will be looking to do better at home. There have been concerns about Louis van Gaal’s team, in terms of attacking ability and that will be one thing to keep an eye out for when the Red Devils face the Hammers.

West Ham United will be without the services of Dimitri Payet, a big miss for Slaven Bilic’s team but they should have the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll to trouble the United defence. West Ham have been great against Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and will be looking to get another three points against a big team. United have to be wary of the threat from the Hammers.

Keep the ball away from West Ham

West Ham might not have Sakho or Payet in their team but they are dangerous nevertheless, especially with the form of Lanzini and you never know what Zarate could do for the Hammers. United need to be sure of keeping the ball for long periods of the game and not getting caught out on the break.

United normally do keep a lot of possession which is good as the longer they can deny West Ham the ball, the better the chances the Manchester side have of winning the game.

Score first

The best way to deal with an opposing team is to score first and early, something that United haven’t done all that much this season. Well, they have gotten 1-0 wins, United haven’t really put any opposition away.

Manchester United have only scored seven goals in nine games in all competitions, hardly a goal scoring record that anyone could be proud off but scoring the first goal could well provide them with the impetus to maybe and I really repeat, maybe, go out and get more. But knowing Louis van Gaal even if United are drawing the 0-0 in the 89^th minute, he wouldn’t make a move.

Be wary of Carroll

Andy Carroll on his day can be a handful for any defence and that could well happen at Old Trafford. The English striker hasn’t had the best time regarding injuries but he should be fit enough to take on United’s defence. The Old Trafford faithful will remind him of his time at Liverpool and that could only spur on the giant leading the West Ham line. Carroll is a brute in the air and the Manchester United defence have to be careful when dealing with his aerial ability, he is good with his feet also, Chris Smalling and co. will have a tough time against Carroll.