Predicted Manchester United line-up to face West Ham, Ruben Amorim rotates as Matheus Cunha decision made

After an impressive victory over Crystal Palace, Manchester United are back at Old Trafford this week to take on West Ham United.

The Premier League table is so congested right now that a win is almost worth double and could see a significant jump up the table for Manchester United.

United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday to move within a win of the Champions League positions, which comes ahead of facing two of the Premier League’s bottom four in the next few days.

This could be a real momentum-building week for United, with more difficult fixtures to come later in the month of December.

Ruben Amorim will be keen to avoid repeating his disaster of December from last season, which ranked as the joint worst in club history. So against West Ham on Thursday, there needs to be a strong line-up but also some rotation.

How Manchester United could line-up against West Ham

Amorim has a rare opportunity to rotate his United side this week. However, Amorim’s mystery injury update sees two players a doubt, although he won’t reveal who.

This could impact his team selection, but importantly, United are set to see the return of Matheus Cunha from injury. But will he start immediately?

Here is how we are predicting United to line up against West Ham.

Senne Lammens: Still only with one clean sheet, this could be the perfect opportunity for Lammens to add another. He will need to be stronger than he was last time out at Old Trafford.

Noussair Mazraoui: Starting on the right of the three, we have Mazraoui stepping in to replace Leny Yoro after the Frenchman’s poor display against Crystal Palace. Amorim has commented on Yoro’s struggle, and we expect him to be rotated out of the team here.

Matthijs de Ligt: While there will be rotations across the pitch, the absence of Harry Maguire means that De Ligt needs to start once again, being one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Lisandro Martinez: On the left, Martinez made his comeback from injury vs Palace, but here he could be in line for a first start since last February. The Argentine is ready to play, and 45 minutes or so here should be excellent for his development before Ayden Heaven can step in.

Amad: On the right flank, there is no other option than Amad, and with the Ivorian soon departing for AFCON, Amorim may as well use him while he can.

Kobbie Mainoo: Moving into the midfield, Casemiro cannot play all three games from Palace to Wolves next Monday, and so we anticipate he will be rested here for Mainoo to start instead. Mainoo has looked upset this season and needs more minutes, with this being the perfect chance in a game where United can dominate possession.

Bruno Fernandes: Partnering Mainoo in midfield, there is little chance Fernandes drops out of the team here. Fernandes was excellent against Crystal Palace and he is a sure starter, unless that issue at the end of the game is causing a doubt in his fitness.