Ones To Watch: Manchester United vs West Ham (FA Cup)

Manchester United have won one trophy, and they are not slowing down as they prepare to take on West Ham United in the FA Cup at Old Trafford.

United played just three days ago, beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup final, but trophy celebrations did not last long as the next day was straight back to prepping for the FA Cup charge – a sign of how Erik ten Hag has raised the standards at Manchester United.

Ten Hag’s men will be the favourites for the game, especially knowing the Dutchman’s hesitancy to rotate – favouring a more consistent XI. However some changes will be made to United’s team, and UtdDistrict highlight one player to watch from either side tonight:

Manchester United – Marcel Sabitzer

Since the Austrian joined Manchester United on loan, he has showcased a lot of very good qualities. Making his debut off the bench against Crystal Palace where Casemiro was sent off, he helped United close out the game with his energy and diligent defending, and in the three games since showcased more of this high-intensity style of play whilst holding the fort in Casemiro’s absence.

But Sabitzer is generally a more advanced player, and his cameo off the bench on Sunday gave us a glimpse of what we can see from him playing next to the cover of Casemiro, rather than being the cover himself. The game against the Hammers is one where fans will likely see Sabitzer in this role from the start, and it could show us even more quality than we’ve seen already.

West Ham United – Declan Rice

Who else? Declan Rice has been linked with Manchester United for a few years now, having developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable, high-quality midfield players. Many fans thought the signing of Casemiro in holding midfield would be the end of these rumours for the next few years.

However, with Rice’s own evolution as a player – becoming more of a ball carrier in midfield who likes to drive forward into advanced areas – rumours have only increased about him being a United target, this time to partner Casemiro. Rice has played at Old Trafford many times in the past, this season included, and tonight could be yet another audition for him just six days after Frenkie de Jong passed his own at the Theatre of Dreams.