Michael Carrick has been warned about one of West Ham’s clear threats as his Manchester United squad travels to East London on Tuesday evening.
Michael Carrick is targeting a fifth win in a row as his Manchester United side travel to East London to face 18th-placed West Ham on Tuesday evening.
Since the former midfielder succeeded Rúben Amorim in the dugout, United have recorded victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, moving five points clear in the pack battling for Champions League qualification places.
West Ham, however, are expected to provide a stern test. Despite sitting in the relegation zone, they are only three points from safety, and the London Stadium has been a difficult venue for United in recent seasons.
The two sides drew 1-1 at Old Trafford in December, and a positive result on Tuesday could prove crucial in building momentum for either team as the Premier League campaign approaches its decisive final months.
Carrick warned about Bowen’s West Ham threat
With West Ham fighting against the drop to the Championship, their main man has been Jarrod Bowen. The English forward has eight Premier League goals to his name this season and has been a vital part of their push to stay in England’s top flight.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson gave his prediction for the tie, explaining that while it’s a ‘big game’ for The United Stand, who will cut his hair if the club win five games in a row, Bowen could pose a major threat to that.
“Big game coming up for the geezer who wants to cut his hair! If Manchester United win, that’s five games in a row, and he gets rid of the long hair. Will that happen? I’m not so sure,” Merson said.
“West Ham are starting to perform now. I like Jarrod Bowen. I’m actually a big fan of his. He’s a very good player who can play anywhere across the front-three, as a No. 10 and even as a centre-forward.
“England are allowed to pick 26 players for the World Cup, but if it was still a 22-man squad, I would have fancied Bowen. He is three players rolled into one. Now with more slots in the squad, I’m not sure if Tuchel will still prefer someone like him.
“If West Ham want to keep Bowen, they must avoid relegation. No way he’s playing in the Championship next season, he’s too good a player for that!”
Merson makes a bizarre point about West Ham mentality
Continuing, the 57-year-old said, “Manchester United are playing some good football. The impact made by Steve Holland cannot be overlooked. He has helped Michael Carrick, thanks to his experience of being a good coach at the highest level.
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“But this is still a tough game for Manchester United. West Ham are fighting for their survival, and I expect them to trouble the visitors. Thanks to their recent performances, West Ham don’t have to go all out in this game, and I think that will suit them against United.”
The point he made, stating that West Ham do not need to go all out being something that suits them, is a bizarre one. United are the most in-form team in the league, and if the Hammers want to get anything out of the clash, they will need to be at their absolute peak form.
To round off his prediction, Merson stated he felt Carrick’s men would fall to their first dropped points since his appointment with a 1-1 draw.
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