United in a decent spot after a bumpy start
It’s December and Manchester United sit four points off second place in the Premier League, a position most fans would have gladly accepted in August. The route here has been uneven, with shocking defeats to Grimsby, Manchester City and Everton, but overall they reach winter in a relatively strong place.
Crystal Palace win sets up chance for back-to-back victories
The trip to Crystal Palace felt like a must-win after draws with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, followed by that lifeless loss to Everton. United responded, taking a vital three points at Selhurst Park. Now they welcome struggling West Ham to Old Trafford on Thursday, a prime chance to record back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season.
European target means games like West Ham are essential
Inside the club, the internal goal is clear: secure European football next season. No one has publicly nailed it down as “Champions League or bust”, but United know they should be pushing for a top-four spot. To do that, they must put together runs of consecutive wins, especially against sides like West Ham, who have only one away league victory so far.
Cunha’s return creates a selection problem
Matheus Cunha is expected back in the squad after a minor training-ground injury that kept him out against Everton and Palace. His absence hurt United, and the assumption is he will soon return to the starting XI. If he does start immediately, one of last weekend’s goalscorers will have to drop out.
Zirkzee: poor first half, brilliant finish
Ruben Amorim stuck with Joshua Zirkzee at Palace when many would have taken him out after a flat display against Everton. The first half seemed to justify those doubts: heavy touches, little goal threat. But early in the second half Zirkzee produced a superb strike, controlling the ball sharply and volleying past Dean Henderson like a seasoned poacher.
Amorim’s verdict on Zirkzee’s impact
After the game, Amorim highlighted that it wasn’t just about the goal for Zirkzee. He pointed to improved runs in behind and better duels after the break, saying United played much better because the Dutch forward raised his level. That makes the idea of immediately dropping him feel harsher, especially when forwards are often told goals secure their spot.
Mount back in the XI and on the scoresheet
Mason Mount made his first United start since facing Liverpool at Anfield and impressed again. He worked tirelessly off the ball and capped his performance with the second goal to make it 2-1. Alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Zirkzee, he formed the attacking trio that turned the Palace game around.
Bench or start for Cunha – and who makes way?
If Cunha is restored to the XI, Amorim will likely have to pick between Mount and Zirkzee to step aside. On paper, Zirkzee is the favourite to miss out, given his inconsistency and the manager’s long-term trust in Cunha. However, his second-half display at Palace strengthens the argument that a scoring forward deserves another start.
A welcome headache before West Ham
There is also the option to ease Cunha back from the bench, just as Amorim did after a previous muscle issue against Chelsea. This time his problem was described as a training accident rather than something more serious, so the staff may feel bolder about starting him. Either way, it is the kind of attacking dilemma any manager likes to have as United chase another league win.
