Man Utd boss Ten Hag expected to drop three players for West Ham clash

ten Hag coy on if Ronaldo will keep Man Utd starting spot

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Manchester United will go into their match with West Ham looking to continue their recent resurgence under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils have gone seven games unbeaten ahead of the showdown at Old Trafford, boosting their chances of finishing in the Premier League top four in the process. Express Sport will now take a look at the Dutchman’s predicted XI for the contest, with three changes expected.

Goalkeeper: De Gea

Manchester United have seen David De Gea be a constant between the sticks this season.

The Spain international has started every game, both in the Premier League and the Europa League, and is expected to keep his place for the game with West Ham.

De Gea will go into the game, however, with his long-term future up in the air.

The United star’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season but there’s no indication he’s set for an extension, amid speculation the Red Devils are eyeing Porto’s Diogo Costa.

De Gea has been a mainstay in the side for a decade but, in the modern game, his distribution arguably isn’t up to scratch.

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Defence: Dalot, Martinez, Lindelof, Shaw

While Tyrell Malacia did well for United against Sheriff on Thursday, Luke Shaw is expected to come into the side.

The England international has been rejuvenated in recent weeks, clocking up assists in his last two outings for the club.

Therefore, it’s likely Shaw will come into the team at Malacia’s expense – with the rest of the club’s backline staying the same.

That means Diogo Dalot at right-back, with the former Porto star yet to be dropped so far this season.

And Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are primed to partner up at centre-back, with Harry Maguire on the bench.

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Midfield: Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes

For years, United have been crying out for some world-class midfielders.

But Ten Hag signed two in the same transfer window when he recruited the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who arrived from Real Madrid and Brentford respectively.

The duo have struck up a good rapport in the middle of the park and their partnership will only get better the more the season goes on.

Some believe Bruno Fernandes has lost his sparkle of late, with the goals and assists not coming as frequently as they used to.

But he’s still a key player for Ten Hag, meaning he’s expected to be in the side against the Hammers on Sunday.

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Forwards: Antony, Rashford, Sancho

Alejandro Garnacho impressed for United against Sheriff on Thursday.

Yet we’re expecting him to make way for Jadon Sancho, with Ten Hag eager for the former Borussia Dortmund star to rediscover his swagger after some inconsistent performances in recent weeks.

Another player who will likely be dropped is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Though he scored against Sheriff, it’s Marcus Rashford who seems to be Ten Hag’s preferred pick for the No 9 position – having bagged six goals across all competitions so far this season.

Antony should then go on the right wing, with the Brazil international likely to continue to produce tricks and flicks despite criticism over his antics of late.

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What happened last season?

Manchester United faced off against West Ham three times last season.

They lost to the Hammers in the Carabao Cup, in a match that was overseen by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Manuel Lanzini grabbing the only goal of the game.

United beat West Ham at the London Stadium, however, with Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard both on target.

And they emerged victorious over the Hammers back in January as Rashford scored a late winner for Ralf Rangnick that day.

Whether they can pick up all three points at the expense of old boss David Moyes and his team, however, remains to be seen…

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