Man United and Ruben Amorim must exploit West Ham’s three major weaknesses

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Manchester United have a golden opportunity to climb the Premier League table if they are able to beat West Ham at Old Trafford.

Following an impressive comeback victory over Crystal Palace, Manchester United are looking to make it two wins in a row when the Hammers visit on Thursday evening.

Nuno Espirito Santo praised Ruben Amorim ahead of the clash, and the United boss is looking for a first victory over his Portuguese compatriot.

West Ham currently sit in the relegation zone which makes United strong favourites on Thursday. But the recent record between the two sides won’t fill Red Devils supporters with much confidence.

Thankfully, there are some glaring weaknesses in this West Ham team that Amorim can target.

West Ham’s terrible set piece record

After scoring from two free-kick situations against Crystal Palace last week, United are now the best in the Premier League at scoring from set pieces.

• Man United are even better than Arsenal at corners, Ruben Amorim’s right-hand man deserves praise

Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes deserves praise for turning set pieces from a weakness into a strength for United.

They should be particularly useful against a West Ham team who have conceded 10 goals from set pieces this season – more than any other side.

Do you agree with the United In Focus writer predictions for Man Utd vs West Ham? Let us know yours in the comments!🔥⚽️

Dan Coombs: “2-1 to United, a win, but we won’t keep a clean sheet.👹”

Dale O’Donnell: “3-1 to United, Mbeumo on the scoresheet for a convincing win.⚽️”

Sean Fisher: “2-0 to United, surprisingly comfortable win with a set-piece goal.🔥”

Vatsal Gupta: “3-1 win, brilliance on Cunha’s return sends United to victory.🇧🇷”

Adnan Riaz: “3-0 win, A David de Gea-esque Lammens masterclass to hand United a dominant win.🧤”

Jonny Maze: “4-2 win, expecting goals on both sides, but United should be able to score more.💥”

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If West Ham choose to sit deep and frustrate United, set pieces could be an avenue for the Red Devils to find a breakthrough.

Man United home form vs West Ham away form

United have won four of their six games at Old Trafford this season, although there are understandably some bad memories from last week’s defeat to Everton.

Amorim and Co. should gain confidence from West Ham’s poor away form – they have only won once on their travels this season.

Their one win away from home came back in August against a struggling Nottingham Forest.

Man United can capitalise on West Ham’s shot problem

United have topped expected goals tables in the Premier League for weeks which suggests that Amorim’s side are creating quality chances.

As per Statmuse, only Burnley have conceded more expected goals (xGA) than West Ham this season.

In just 13 league matches, West Ham have allowed 22.55 xG. They concede far too many chances and are weak at the back. It’s up to United to exploit that.