Manchester United vs West Ham: Preview, Team News, Time and Where to Watch

23:30 - 20 January 2026

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka (29) and Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu (13) battle for the ball during a past match. Photo: Imago

Manchester United will be looking to move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea when they host West Ham in the Premier League on Thursday and here is all you need to know.

Manchester United and West Ham United, separated by ten places in the Premier League table, are set to conclude the midweek fixtures at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

The Red Devils are riding high after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Crystal Palace, while the Hammers are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, a match marred by a costly red card for Lucas Paqueta.

Match Preview

Manchester United ended Crystal Palace's impressive 12-game unbeaten streak at home last weekend. Despite falling behind to a retaken Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty, United turned the match around with goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, both stemming from Bruno Fernandes free-kicks.

The victory was a much-needed boost for Ruben Amorim's side following a disappointing home loss to a ten-man Everton. Heading into gameweek 14, United sit seventh in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

After a rocky start to the season, Amorim has steadied the ship, with his team losing just once in their last seven matches across all competitions. However, the Portuguese manager is on the verge of an unwelcome club record: a loss on Thursday would mean he has suffered 10 Premier League defeats at Old Trafford in only 20 games, the fastest any United manager has reached that mark.

Furthermore, the club has struggled in December recently, losing their last three league games in this month without scoring a single goal.

West Ham, meanwhile, saw their three-match unbeaten run snapped by a resurgent Liverpool. Their efforts were severely hampered when Lucas Paqueta was sent off for dissent, an incident which was followed by a remarkable online outburst from the player against the FA.

Currently in 18th place, Nuno Espirito Santo's side find themselves in the relegation zone ahead of kick off at Old Trafford. The West Ham boss is still searching for his first away win in the Premier League with the club, having failed in his first four attempts.

Team News

Manchester United are expected to welcome back Matheus Cunha, who has returned to training after missing two games with a head injury. However, after their goalscoring performances at Selhurst Park, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee are likely to retain their starting positions, potentially leaving Cunha on the bench.

With Lisandro Martinez having made his return from a knee injury on Sunday, United's only confirmed absentees are Benjamin Sesko (knee) and Harry Maguire (thigh). Manager Ruben Amorim also mentioned a couple of unnamed players are doubtful for the match.

For West Ham, Lucas Paqueta is suspended following his red card against Liverpool. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo could replace him by moving Mateus Fernandes into a central role and bringing in Luis Guilherme on the wing, especially with Crysencio Summerville a major doubt.