West Ham are only 2 points behind Manchester United and have a strong chance of sitting in 6th place by Christmas. Given the talent than United have at their disposal, surely they should be doing better?
Well West Ham have really turned it around since the start of the season. Since losing their opening 4 games, the Hammers’ form would actually put us almost level with Chelsea and Arsenal and 4 points clear of United. And I think there’s a chance we could finish above the reds come the end of the season as well.
Some may think I’m crazy, with the changing manager and current discontent I don’t think they’re going to do particularly well in the League. Especially if by some miracle they manage to get past PSG in the Champions League and hang around to compete in that tournament as well. So here are 5 reasons I think the Hammers have a chance to finish above United at the end of the season.
Declan Rice is better than Pogba (and United’s other central midfielders)
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at playing in holding midfield. It’s a key role, and one United can’t get right. Obviously Pogba is a world class footballer and there are tricks that he can pull off on instagram that Rice probably can’t get near, but that is irrelevant when both of their managers look to them to set the shape of the team. When it comes to winning the ball back and setting the rest of the team on its way Rice is the best of both squads.
Pogba was being reined in by Mourinho and looks a frustrated figure in a United shirt. Yes my title might be a bit clickbaity, but I genuinely think Rice has been better this season than any of the United midfielders. Pogba would probably greatly benefit from someone like Rice in the side, allowing him to move forward with greater freedom and not being shackled by his defensive duties.
What Rice does well that United are not doing well at the moment is using the ball sensibly. Time after time they are caught moving the ball around. I’m not talking about just picking boring passes, but making sure that a ball in the middle of the pitch isn’t given to the opposition. He spreads the ball long and wide when under pressure, and keeps possession when he can. It’s defensive midfield 101, and reason No.1 why we will finish above United this season.