Manchester United were supposed to have turned a corner after their 4-0 win over QPR. As it turns out, they did turn a corner down a one-way street and promptly smacked headlong into Leicester City. Despite leading the Foxes 3-1 with just over 30 minutes to play, United managed to collapse and allow Leicester to pull off a four-goal comeback leaving fans, coaches and players angry and embarrassed.
Manchester United vs. West Ham United live stream: How to watch EPL online, TV schedule and more
United are reeling after a shocking defeat against Leicester City, but things won’t get any easier against the Irons.
Clive Rose
If it weren’t United, perhaps some of the struggles could be forgiven considering the amount of roster issues this team had entering the season. The problem is, United aren’t allowed to struggle, especially when Louis van Gaal went out and spent money faster than Nicolas Cage buying Alaskan steak knives.
The defense remains a complete mess, the offense is inconsistent and the midfield is meh. Things just aren't good at the moment for the Red Devils and the pressure is quickly mounting on Van Gaal to get things figured out. Just to make things worse, United faces a strong West Ham side on Saturday who pulled off an impressive win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
Things just aren’t getting any easier for the Red Devils.
Key Player: A Manchester United defender. Anyone? Bueller?
United's defense is a mess thanks to injuries and it's not looking like a solution is on the horizon. Chris Smalling is once again injured, and with Tyler Blackett serving a one-match ban, there's a distinct lack of central defenders available for Van Gaal. Jonny Evans? Injured. Phil Jones? injured. In fact, every player who's played centrally for United in league play this season is unavailable Saturday except Michael Keane, and he's on-loan at Burnley now. People use the term 'crisis' a lot in relation to football clubs, but this is a legitimate crisis.
Key Matchup: Hull’s attack vs. United’s defense
This is an obvious choice for several reasons. United has a depleted defense that has proven to be unable to stop people from scoring goals while West Ham have proven to be able to score goals. West Ham's defense also isn't too shabby, though they'll definitely be tested by the Red Devils. This is going to be an on-going theme around United all season until they prove they can consistently
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Michael Carrick (ankle), Marouane Fellaini (ankle), Chris Smalling (thigh), Ashley Young (groin), Jonny Evans (foot), Phil Jones (hamstring), Sam Johnstone (elbow), Jesse Lingard (knee), Tyler Blackett (suspended).
West Ham injuries and suspensions
Out: Matt Jarvis (thigh), Kevin Nolan (shoulder), Andy Carroll (ankle), Cheikhou Kouyaté (groin), Joey O'Brien (knee)
United’s injury list remains packed with several players not expected back until October. Chris Smalling is back on the sideline after injuring his thigh in training, leaving Van Gaal once against short on central defenders. Cheikhou Kouyaté is the latest Irons players to suffer a long-term injury as he’s been ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN, DirecTV (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet Regional (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.)
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