Julen Lopetegui should start new £25 million West Ham star against Manchester United

Since arriving at the London Stadium in a £25 million transfer move from Leeds United, Cryscencio Summerville has mostly played as a second-half substitute for West Ham. Despite starting in both Carabao Cup matches for Julen Lopetegui's side, Summerville is yet to make his first Premier League start for West Ham in the ongoing 2024/25 season.

Summerville had an impressive Championship campaign for Leeds United in the previous season where he registered 31 goal contributions to inspire his former side to the Championship playoff final. Thus, West Ham fans had huge expectations from the 22-year-old, who has been given limited playing time by new manager Julen Lopetegui.

Julen Lopetegui should start new £25 million West Ham star against Manchester United

However, that could change in the upcoming Manchester United match as star forward Mohammed Kudus is unavailable to face the Red Devils due to his red card against Tottenham Hotspurs. This means that Lopetegui would need to make a lineup change on the left flank and the right-footed left-winger could be given a starting role alongside Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio in the front three.

Summerville possesses blistering pace down the left flank and his dribbling and playmaking abilities make him one of the best goalscoring forwards inside the final third. In Kudus's absence, West Ham often struggle with pace while going forward, and thus, should start Summerville to create more spaces for Antonio and Bowen inside the box.

On top of that, Manchester United's defensive shortcomings were evident against Tottenham Hotspurs last month, as they couldn't keep up with the impressive pace of Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke throughout the match. Further, Erik Ten Hag's side often concede multiple goals within a few minutes if they are 1-0 behind early in the first half.

Thus, it is a great opportunity for Summerville to showcase his huge potential and become a regular starter for the Hammers, who have been very inconsistent with their finishing in front of goal. Now, it remains to be seen whether Lopetegui starts Summerville in the upcoming home fixture.