West Ham arrive at Old Trafford tonight carrying far more than football on their minds. The club is still in deep mourning following the passing of Billy Bonds, a true East London icon and the man supporters once voted their greatest-ever Hammer, ahead of legends like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Trevor Brooking. Bonds, who lifted two FA Cups and made a club-record 799 appearances, passed away aged 79, and tributes have poured in from across English football. His fierce commitment, leadership, and remarkable longevity remain etched into the identity of West Ham.
As the visitors honour a club legend, Manchester United focus on the task at hand — climbing the Premier League table under Ruben Amorim.
De Ligt ruled out as Amorim confirms surprise defensive reshuffle
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has named his XI to face West Ham, with one major omission grabbing immediate attention. Matthijs de Ligt, the club’s Player of the Month for November, does not feature in the matchday squad.
Amorim had hinted during his press conference that two players were injury doubts. De Ligt is now confirmed as one of them — missing his first match of the season after playing every Premier League minute so far.
The United boss says the issue is “a small thing”, and he expects the Dutch defender to return next week against Wolves.
Ayden Heaven steps in; Mazraoui returns
With De Ligt sidelined, Ayden Heaven comes into the starting XI for his first Premier League start of the season. He is expected to play centrally, flanked by Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui, who also returns to the lineup.
Young defender Leny Yoro drops to the bench.
Cunha returns as Mount moves to bench
Matheus Cunha is back after a two-match absence, joining Zirkzee and Mbeumo in United’s attack. Mason Mount, whose late winner secured victory at Crystal Palace, starts among the substitutes.
Manchester United starting XI vs West Ham
Lammens; Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes (c), Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Zirkzee.
Subs: Bayindir, Dorgu, Malacia, Martinez, Yoro, Mount, Mainoo, Ugarte, Lacey.
A night of emotion — and opportunity
United aim to respond after a disappointing home defeat to Everton, while West Ham take the pitch on an emotionally charged evening as tributes continue across the football world for Billy Bonds.
A win for United would lift Amorim’s men to fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Chelsea.
