Michael Carrick has a decision to make as Manchester United look to record a fifth win in a row.
Manchester United have a quick turnaround ahead of the West Ham fixture, facing a tricky away game against the Hammers just three days after the win at home to Tottenham.
It is a quirk of the fixture list that United play two matches in four days, before a 12-day gap before the next game away at Everton.
This presents Michael Carrick with a new test. Should he stick with the same winning team, or is now the perfect time to shake up his team selection.
It’s the kind of dilemma where everybody can be wise after the event if United do not get all three points.
If Michael Carrick rotates and United drop points, it’s his fault for tinkering with the team. If he sticks with the same side, it’s his fault for not making use of his squad.
For the most part we expect Carrick to stick with the same team. But there is a little uncertainty in attack, where he may be forced to make a tweak.
Are you confident Man Utd will win vs West Ham and end the losing streak at the London Stadium?
Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesManchester United’s attacking choice
There was a small concern after Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham when Bryan Mbeumo was spotted limping leaving Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick did not mention Mbeumo as a concern in his pre-match press conference, when he confirmed Mason Mount, Mathijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain sidelined.
Mbeumo has travelled, so he is expected to be involved. But there may be an element of doubt over whether he is 100 per cent, with Carrick required to prepare two options.
The long break after the game counts in favour of starting Mbeumo. But there is an eager replacement ready and waiting, with Benjamin Sesko keen for his first start since January 7 vs Burnley.
Mbeumo is in form with three goals in his last four games. Sesko came off the bench to score the winner in the recent victory over Fulham.
Which front four should Michael Carrick pick vs West Ham?
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images Joshua Zirkzee a less likely wildcard, with three injuries
There are three attacking players out injured, Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, and youngster Shea Lacey.
This means the other remaining option for Michael Carrick to mix up his team selection is to utilise Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee recently returned from a brief spell out, making his return as an 87th minute substitute in the 2-0 win over Spurs.
It would be a shock to see him start against West Ham, but he could have a more substantial role to play from the bench considering he is so fresh.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox