Why Manchester United’s Winning Run Could Be Tested by In-Form West Ham

Manchester United’s impressive recent run faces a serious examination on Tuesday night as Michael Carrick returns to one of his former clubs, with a resurgent West Ham awaiting at the London Stadium.

Carrick’s revitalised United side arrive in east London full of confidence, but this fixture presents a genuine danger point in their push toward the Champions League places. Even for the most optimistic Red Devils supporters, this midweek clash carries more than a hint of jeopardy.

United Chasing Extended Unbeaten Run

Avoiding defeat against the Hammers would extend Manchester United’s league unbeaten streak to nine matches, spanning the latter stages of Ruben Amorim’s tenure and Carrick’s impressive start in the dugout.

History, however, offers a cautionary tale. West Ham have been frustrating United’s ambitions for decades, with painful memories stretching back as far as the decisive final day of the 1994/95 season.

Both teams enter the contest off the back of 2–0 victories, United dispatching Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, while West Ham impressed away at Burnley, adding further intrigue to a finely balanced encounter.

West Ham Have Had United’s Number

When the sides met at Old Trafford in December, Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser cancelled out Diogo Dalot’s opener, continuing a recent trend that favours the Hammers.

Notably, West Ham have not lost to Manchester United since February 2024, with the Red Devils managing just two goals across that period. United have now lost four of their last six Premier League meetings with the east Londoners, more defeats than they suffered in the previous 28 combined.

That said, United can take comfort from the fact that West Ham have only once avoided defeat in both league meetings against them in consecutive seasons, a feat last achieved nearly a century ago in 1932/33 and 1933/34.

Away Form and Firepower Favour United

Carrick’s side boast a formidable away record, having not lost a Premier League game on the road since December. They now face a West Ham team that, despite signs of recovery, have already lost eight league matches at home this season.

United’s attacking threat is also peaking at the right time. Bryan Mbeumo has hit top form, scoring nine league goals, while the supporting cast is beginning to flourish.

Fernandes, Mbeumo and Cunha Leading the Charge

Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative heartbeat. The Portuguese midfielder has been involved in 10 goals across his last eight away league appearances, registering two goals and eight assists.

Those eight away assists place him level with Ryan Giggs’ club record from the 2001/02 season, meaning one more would see Fernandes stand alone in United history.

Matheus Cunha has also contributed four goal involvements in his last five away matches, offering United genuine threat from multiple attacking angles. The Brazilian has yet to score against West Ham in five previous appearances, though, and United have not won three consecutive league matches in London since 2019.

Bowen Still the Key Man for West Ham?

Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s standout danger man, having scored more Premier League goals against Manchester United than any other Hammer in the competition’s history.

He is no longer alone, either. Crysencio Summerville is enjoying a prolific run with five goals in his last five matches, while Taty Castellanos has also begun to find his rhythm.

Despite those attacking positives, West Ham’s home record is concerning: just four wins from their last 20 league matches at the London Stadium, with three of those coming against newly promoted sides.

There is, however, a curious midweek quirk: West Ham have lost just three of their last 15 home league matches played on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, while United have managed only one win in their last nine Premier League midweek away fixtures.

Team News and What’s at Stake

West Ham will be without Lukasz Fabianski and Jean-Clair Todibo, the latter suspended following his red card against Chelsea.

Manchester United remain without Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, and Matthijs de Ligt, all of whom are sidelined through injury.

With just 12 Premier League matches remaining after this fixture, the stakes could scarcely be higher. Every point matters, whether Carrick continues to strengthen his case as United’s long-term solution, or Nuno Espirito Santo further consolidates his position after a dramatic turnaround in fortunes.

Either way, all signs point toward a high-intensity, high-quality encounter between two sides committed to playing expansive, attacking football.