Manchester United legend Denis Irwin has praised a ‘fantastic’ star at Old Trafford ahead of the game against West Ham.
Manchester United’s resurgence was highlighted by their 2–1 comeback win over Crystal Palace. After a quiet first half that saw Rúben Amorim’s side fall behind, second-half brilliance from Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes completed the turnaround.
The result was notable, as it marked United’s first Premier League win in London, excluding matches against Fulham, since January 2022. Focus now returns to Old Trafford ahead of Thursday night’s clash with West Ham.
United are pushing toward the Champions League positions, while West Ham find themselves fighting near the bottom. Leeds United’s 3–1 win over Chelsea has moved them up to 17th, dropping the Hammers back into the relegation zone ahead of the midweek encounter.
Amorim will hope the character shown in the Palace comeback helps erase memories of the defeat to Everton and serves as a springboard for momentum as the busy festive schedule gets underway.
Irwin praises ‘fantastic’ United star ahead of West Ham clash
Even though Lisandro Martínez returned to action last time out, it remains unlikely that he will start in the game against West Ham.
That is largely due to the form of Luke Shaw at left centre-back. The Englishman has been one of United’s best players so far this season.
Shaw made his 300th appearance for the club against Palace and he has received big praise from United legend Denis Irwin following on from that match.
“I’ve got to say that every manager, when he is fit, has picked him as well and he’s started in every Premier League game this season so that tells you that Ruben is definitely backing him,” Irwin told the United Podcast.
“He was brilliant yesterday [vs Crystal Palace], his recovery in a couple of tackles was needed by the way, particularly in the first half.
“And I think it suits him playing that left centre-half, we know he can play the wingback role but I just think – I’m kind of relating to myself, I would have been more comfortable in that centre left role rather than being a wingback.
“But yeah, he’s been fantastic for us this season.”
United still need defensive improvements
United’s backline is a little bit of a mystery right now. Even though Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt have both been solid this term, and how United have three central defenders, they are still susceptible at the back.
The Reds have just one clean sheet so far this season and many of the goals they have conceded remain to be sloppy mistakes.
It is hard to put your finger on the exact reason why United are not keeping more clean sheets but it is something that Amorim needs to figure out.
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