5 things West Ham can do to beat Manchester United

By Scott Johnson | Aug 12, 2017

SKOPJE, MACEDONIA - AUGUST 08: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Philip II Arena on August 8, 2017 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

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REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – AUGUST 04: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City battle for possession during a Pre Season Friendly between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Laugardalsvollur stadium on August 4, 2017 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – AUGUST 04: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City battle for possession during a Pre Season Friendly between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Laugardalsvollur stadium on August 4, 2017 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

Compact Shape

When the Hammers are at their best against big sides, they are frustrating to break down. Think the opening day win against Arsenal a few seasons ago, or the 2-1 win away at City that same season. What we did well as a team was destroy the space.

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Obviously on a big pitch like Old Trafford that’s easier said than done. And it is always risky to allow teams space out wide to operate, but out wide is better than central. It’s about being aggressive in the dangerous areas but being efficient when it’s not. There’s no way the players are fit enough to chase the ball for 90 minutes all over Manchester.

Masuaku and Zabaleta (I expect) will have to limit their fullback runs. Whilst their natural inclination is to get forwards, United are pacey out wide. To give them space to hit us is never going to work, and the midfield must be vigilant in the middle. Halt the pace down the wide areas, kill the ball once it’s moved inside.

Simple right?

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