Manchester United must avoid West Ham’s secret weapon that destroyed them last season, says Alan Shearer

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has explained that Manchester United must avoid a secret weapon from West Ham that destroyed Erik ten Hag’s men last season.

Manchester United are set to resume their Premier League journey with an away match against West Ham.

Though they secured a narrow 2-1 win over Brentford in their last league match, United remain in 12th place, with Erik ten Hag under scrutiny to turn things around.

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Following a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, United have a quick two-day recovery period before Sunday’s afternoon game at London Stadium.

The match will mark Ten Hag’s ninth league game this season. The team has a mixed record of three wins, three losses, and two draws so far.

West Ham’s secret weapon

Former Premier League striker and current record goalscorer Alan Shearer has been previewing the weekend’s fixtures. When it came to United, he admitted that their clash against West Ham was tough to predict due to Ten Hag’s men’s unpredictability.

Shearer explained that, at the ground where United lost 2-0 last season, Ten Hag’s men were ripped apart due to the atmosphere the West Ham fans created, which could be their secret weapon against the Reds once again, predicting a win for the Hammers.

“This is tough to predict because of the unpredictability of Man United,” he told the Metro.

“Can they kick on and get another result like last weekend? I suspect not. The pressure may be right back on them this weekend.

“West Ham, with the atmosphere at the London Stadium, may have enough to take the points on Sunday just as they did in their last home game against Manchester United last season. I am going to pick West Ham to win.”

United must avoid this

United must try their best to avoid being sucked into the cauldron-like atmosphere at the London Stadium and not let the push from the Hammers’ fans get to them.

United have experienced some tough away ground this month, such as FC Porto and Fenerbahce, and managed to score four goals across these two games, although they also conceded two.

If United can maintain the game and not allow West Ham to apply pressure, they can contain the bubbling atmosphere and calm the game down. An early goal would do wonders.

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