West Ham United-Manchester United Preview

David Moyes knows former club Manchester United have improved of late, but he also believes his West Ham are "heading in a good direction" ahead of his return to Old Trafford.

Both United and West Ham endured difficult starts to the season, with the Red Devils struggling to adapt to new manager Erik ten Hag while Moyes' side sunk to the foot of the table.

But improved runs of form mean the two teams go into their meeting on Sunday optimistic of landing a result.

That is certainly how Moyes sees it.

"I think (United) have improved and they look like they're heading in a good direction at the moment," he said. "But I think we are as well, so we have to look at what we do.

"Obviously going away to Old Trafford for anybody is a tough game. We know that is the case; they have some really excellent players, so we'll have to play really well, but we have good players as well."

Ten Hag is similarly expecting a tough test, although he was pleased with United's preparation as they beat Sheriff 3-0 on Thursday.

"Obviously, on Sunday, it's better quality," he said. "The defending is better, they are physically better, they are technically better, so that's going to be tough. So, we have to be really good on the ball, be really dynamic especially to find gaps.

"We are aware that you have to be good because they have good counters, so (Sheriff) was a good warm-up, but Sunday it will be much tougher. We are aware of that."

Manchester United – Marcus Rashford

The focus on Cristiano Ronaldo has distracted from Rashford's attempts to rediscover his best form, and he looks to be getting closer to his old self. Another goal in midweek will have done his confidence no harm as he looks to go again against West Ham.

West Ham – Gianluca Scamacca

Scamacca scored six goals in his first 12 West Ham appearances, but he has not now netted in five since a run of three in three at the start of October. With Michail Antonio making the most of his limited minutes, the Italy international needs to perform.

– Manchester United have won their last four Premier League matches against West Ham, their best winning run against the Hammers since an eight-game run between 2008 and 2012.

– West Ham have picked up just three points in their last 14 Premier League visits to United (D3 L11) since their last win there in May 2007 thanks to a Carlos Tevez winner.

– West Ham have lost more away Premier League matches against Manchester United than they have versus any other side (21), while United have only won more home games against Tottenham (24).

– Manchester United have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League home games (W8 D5), having lost six of their previous 13 at Old Trafford before this. They are looking to keep three consecutive home clean sheets for the first time since June 2020 (a run of four).

– West Ham have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 Premier League away games and have won just two of their last 14 on the road (D2 L10).

Updated October 28, 2022