West Ham look to boost survival push as Manchester United chase top four momentum

Hammers rely on strong head-to-head record while United continue winning run under Carrick

West Ham United will aim to move closer to Premier League safety when they host an in-form Manchester United side whose momentum shows no signs of slowing.

The Hammers responded well to their recent defeat against Chelsea by comfortably beating Burnley 2-0, while Manchester United continued their perfect run under Michael Carrick with a controlled 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

West Ham showing improvement but home consistency remains an issue

West Ham’s recent form has offered renewed hope in their survival battle. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have won four of their last five matches in all competitions and now sit just three points away from safety.

Despite the positive results, their home performances against stronger opposition remain concerning. West Ham have collected only six points from their last 16 Premier League home matches against teams that were not promoted from the Championship. They are also without a win against teams currently sitting inside the top eight this season, drawing twice and losing seven matches.

All four home fixtures against top-eight sides have ended in defeat, with the Hammers conceding 12 goals and scoring just three during that run.

Manchester United thriving under Carrick leadership

Manchester United have found excellent rhythm since Michael Carrick took charge, maintaining a perfect record with four consecutive victories. Their latest win over Tottenham moved them to within three points of third-placed Aston Villa and strengthened calls for Carrick to remain in charge beyond the summer.

United are now chasing their first five-match winning streak in a single Premier League season since January 2023. Their strong away form further supports their credentials as favourites, having lost just once in their last nine league matches on the road.

However, midweek away fixtures have been less successful, with United failing to win any of their last five such league matches, drawing once and losing four.

West Ham hold recent advantage in head-to-head meetings

Despite United’s overall improvement, West Ham have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, winning each of their last three home league matches against the Red Devils. Another victory would equal their best home winning run against United since the 1970s.

United have struggled in recent meetings between the sides, losing four of the last six Premier League clashes. That total already exceeds the number of defeats they suffered in the previous 28 meetings combined.

Players to watch and team news

Crysencio Summerville has been a major attacking threat for West Ham, scoring five goals across his last five appearances, all during the first half. His only previous goal against United came as the opening goal of the second half in last season’s meeting between the teams.

For Manchester United, Matheus Cunha has impressed away from home, scoring three goals in his last four league away matches. However, he is still searching for his first goal in five league appearances against West Ham.

Both teams appear to have full squads available, with no new injury concerns reported ahead of the match.