It’s a lively Tuesday night at the London Stadium, and all eyes aren’t just on the pitch. Manchester United fan Frank Ilett has gone over a year without a haircut, vowing to only visit the barber once his team wins five games in a row. With four straight victories under Michael Carrick, the fifth is tantalisingly close — but West Ham have other ideas.
The Irons are fighting for survival, sitting 18th and looking to extend their recent run of points at home after a 2-0 win over Burnley. Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Taty Castellanos lead the charge, while the defence will need to be at its best to stop a red-hot United attack.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum. Four wins in a row have propelled them into fourth in the Premier League, with goals flowing from Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Carrick’s men have scored at least twice in every game since he took over and will aim to make it five straight victories — and finally let Frank Ilett get that haircut.
West Ham vs Manchester United: Key Stats
Head-to-head: West Ham 13 wins, Manchester United 13 wins, 14 draws
Manchester United: Won last 4 games under Carrick in all competitions
Manchester United: Unbeaten in last 8 Premier League matches
West Ham: Won 1 of last 7 home matches in all competitions
Both Teams to Score: In Man United’s last 10 away matches, both teams scored
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect: Survival Grit vs Winning Momentum
West Ham;
The Irons will rely on pace and counter-attacks. Bowen and Summerville are crucial in stretching United’s defence, while Castellanos offers a late goal threat. Keeping United at bay early will be key to spoiling the fan celebration.
Manchester United;
The Red Devils will look to dominate possession and attack relentlessly. Bruno Fernandes is the creative hub, supported by Mbeumo and Cunha. Early goals could break the resistance and put United on the brink of Frank Ilett’s long-awaited barber visit.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham United (4-4-2) ⚒️: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Soucek, Potts; Bowen, M. Fernandes, Summerville; Castellanos
Manchester United (4-2-3-1) 🔴: Lammens; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, B. Fernandes, Mbeumo; Cunha
Players and Matchups to Watch
Bruno Fernandes: United’s engine. Creative, decisive, and lethal in the box.
Crysencio Summerville: In-form winger. Key to West Ham’s counter attacks.
Jarrod Bowen: Talented, experienced, and crucial for set pieces and attacking transitions.
Matheus Cunha: Clinical forward. Can exploit spaces behind the defence.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 West Ham to win: 4.36
💵 Manchester United to win: 1.79
💵 Draw: 4.26
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.57
💵 Both Teams to Score (GG): 1.58
United edge the game, keep the five-win streak alive, and finally let Frank Ilett visit the barber.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Manchester United
