Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has announced his starting XI to face West Ham United at Old Trafford, with one major omission — November’s Player of the Month, Matthijs de Ligt, is not in the matchday squad.
United enter the fixture looking to build on the momentum from their weekend win at Crystal Palace, and to produce a response following the disappointing home defeat to Everton in their last Old Trafford outing. A victory tonight would lift the Reds up to fifth place in the Premier League, level with Chelsea but behind only on goal difference.
De Ligt ruled out; Heaven steps in
Amorim had revealed during Wednesday’s press conference that two unnamed players were doubtful for the match. De Ligt is now confirmed as one of those absentees.
Ayden Heaven replaces the Dutch defender and appears set to operate in the centre of a restructured back line. Noussair Mazraoui is also drafted in, while promising centre-back Leny Yoro drops to the bench.
Cunha returns to the XI
Matheus Cunha returns after missing the previous two games and is one of three changes to the starting line-up. Mason Mount, who scored the decisive goal at Selhurst Park, moves to the bench.
Manchester United XI vs West Ham
Lammens; Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes (c), Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Zirkzee.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Dorgu, Malacia, Martinez, Yoro, Mount, Mainoo, Ugarte, Lacey.
United will look to seize another opportunity to climb the table as they continue adapting under Amorim’s evolving system.
