Rúben Amorim will be hoping to see at least one return as Manchester United prepare to take on West Ham in a Premier League Old Trafford tie.
Manchester United’s form of late was epitomised by their recent 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. A horrid first-half saw Rúben Amorim’s Reds down a goal at half-time, but moments of magic from Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes turned the tie around.
It was their first league win in London against a side that isn’t Fulham since January 2022, but it’s at Old Trafford where they face their next opponent, with West Ham travelling from the capital to Manchester on Thursday evening.
While United are looking up the table towards Champions League spots, West Ham are looking down, with the Hammers currently level on points with 18th-placed Leeds United, only avoiding the relegation spots by goal difference.
Amorim will be hoping that, with the demons of their tragic loss against Everton now behind them with the Palace win, a winning run can be constructed as the club heads into the festive schedule.
Amorim still has a few injury concerns he must compensate for, but will be hoping for at least one return when the side line up to face West Ham on Thursday.
Matheus Cunha
What happened: Fowrad Matheus Cunha suffered a head injury in training, which left him almost knocked out, and he missed the fixtures against both Everton and Crystal Palace.
What was said: Amorim confirmed before the Palace game that he did not have Cunha available for the trip to London, but expects him to be back to play West Ham.
Possible return date: 4 December – West Ham (H)
Harry Maguire
What happened: Harry Maguire was taken off against Tottenham in the 72nd minute with a hamstring injury at the beginning of last month.
What was said: Speaking on Friday, Amorim confirmed that Maguire was not ready for the trip to London and that his injury could “take a little bit longer” to heal.
Possible return date: Monday 15 December – Bournemouth (H)
Bruno Fernandes
What happened: Bruno Fernandes was spotted holding his hamstring after the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, instigating a level of concern after the game.
What was said: After the game, Amorim confirmed that Fernandes himself admitted it was just a twinge from the miskick and is not a significant problem. “He needs to talk to the bench, but he said it was, like, just a kick. So everything is okay.”
Possible return date: 4 December – West Ham (H)
Benjamin Šeško
What happened: After coming off the bench against Tottenham, Benjamin Šeško had to exit the field after 30 minutes when he went down with a knee injury.
Read More: Manchester United star Rúben Amorim has seemingly banished from the starting XI
What was said: “Sesko is going to take a little bit more time,” Amorim said last week when comparing the striker’s return to Cunha’s. “It will take a little bit longer, and we are taking care of him.”
Possible return date: Monday 15 December – Bournemouth (H)
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