Did Arthur Masuaku earn another West Ham start over Aaron Cresswell?

There was a lot that went right for West Ham away at Manchester United. One big player for the Hammers was surprise starter Arthur Masuaku. The flashy left-back has been benched in recent weeks but has his impressive performance earned him another start?

It was one of a few surprises in West Ham’s starting XI for Manchester United, but one that was forced and necessary. Aaron Cresswell, the Hammer’s de facto starting left-back this season, pulled out close to game time which allowed for Arthur Masuaku to step up in his place.

I, like many West Ham supporters, haven’t been the most kind to Masuaku this season. He showed flashes of brilliance last year with his incredible dribbling skills and ability to impact the attack from a wide position. Skip ahead to this season, and the defender looked a shadow of his former self.

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He doesn’t defend well. He knows that. We know that. Pellegrini knows that. He’s even said he isn’t a defender on social media when he responded to critics of his performances. It’s why he hasn’t been starting; Masuaku has been a liability on defense this year and Cresswell has shored up the left side.

Maybe some time on the bench has changed some things, but Masuaku looked calm, responsible, and comfortable in Pellegrini’s high fullback system, and showed that against Manchester United. Honestly, he needs to play in an advanced role more consistently to prove his worth and his reluctance to track back has fast-tracked him out of East London in the summer.

With ALL of that being said, Masuaku played a terrific game all match long at Manchester United. He was tasked with marking Jesse Lingard who made his life easy by switching out with Romelu Lukaku for a more central position at any opportunity he could get.

What Masuaku did well was not overreacting in defending. Not once did he lunge in too early to then get beat by a step over or dribble. He focused on positionally cutting out wide threats and allowed his body to disrupt play over his actions.

He also looked back to his threatening self down the left wing, overlapping with Lanzini and getting in behind his markers to fizz a couple of tasty crosses through David de Gea’s box.

With Cresswell likely fit again for the upcoming match against Leicester City at the London Stadium, it will be a tough choice at left-back for Pellegrini. Cresswell lost out due to situations he couldn’t control but Masuaku took his chance and played really well in Cress’ absence.

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It’s a good problem to have, but I am thankful Pellegrini gets the big bucks when it comes to decisions like these. But, since Cresswell has struggled with fitness over the past two seasons, I would play Masuaku with him in good form. Cress gets extra rest and Masuaku could either increase his transfer value or earn another season in London.