Manchester United vs West Ham live team news as Raphael Varane out but Kobbie Mainoo starts

Manchester United can aim for back-to-back wins

Manchester United have the opportunity to secure consecutive victories in the Premier League as they face West Ham on Sunday. In their last match against Wolves, United won 4-3 with a dramatic late goal from Kobbie Mainoo. This win followed a strong first-half performance that saw goals from Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Scott McTominay. United will be looking to avenge their earlier defeat to West Ham this season.

West Ham emerged victorious in their previous encounter, securing a 2-0 win with goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. United will be eager to make amends and assert themselves in this match.

In terms of team news, Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof are set to return to the United squad, providing a boost for the team. Additionally, Lisandro Martinez is expected to be available after being substituted in the previous game as a precautionary measure.

West Ham opt for three at the back

West Ham have chosen to play with three defenders in a formation change. Aguerd, Zouma, and possibly Johnson are likely to be the center halves, while Coufal and Palmieri occupy the wing-back positions. This tactical switch is not surprising considering that David Moyes is the manager, and they would likely switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation if Paqueta were available.

It will be interesting to see how Manchester United's striker Kobbie Mainoo performs against the back three of West Ham. In the previous game against Wolves, Mainoo had an impressive performance against a similar defensive setup.

Overall, West Ham's defensive solidity will be put to the test, and United will be aiming to exploit any weaknesses in their lineup.

Remembering the Munich air disaster

This game holds significance as it is the closest home fixture to the anniversary of the Munich air disaster. United are hosting relatives of the eight players who lost their lives in the tragic crash on February 6, 1958. Prior to the game, a fan service was held beneath the Munich memorial as a mark of respect.

Erik ten Hag and David Moyes, the managers of United and West Ham respectively, will lead their teams out onto the pitch while carrying wreaths in honor of the victims. This serves as a reminder of the history and legacy associated with the Munich air disaster.