Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick returns to one of his former clubs on Tuesday night as his revitalised Red Devils travel to face an in-form West Ham United.

While one United supporter might be just 90 minutes away from a haircut for the first time in 18 months, the real focus is on Carrick guiding his side further into the Premier League’s top-four race.

United hunting a ninth straight unbeaten league game

Even a point at the London Stadium would extend United’s unbeaten streak to nine league matches across the spells of both Ruben Amorim and Carrick. Historically, West Ham have often been a thorn in United’s side, with memorable clashes going back decades, including the final game of the 1994/95 season.

Both sides head into the game on the back of 2-0 wins — United against Tottenham at Old Trafford, and West Ham at Burnley — making for a tantalising midweek encounter.

West Ham’s recent record against United

In their last meeting at Old Trafford in December, Soungoutou Magassa’s late goal earned West Ham a 1-1 draw after Diogo Dalot had opened the scoring. Notably, United have not beaten West Ham in this fixture since February 2024, scoring just twice over that period. In fact, they’ve lost four of their last six Premier League matches against the East London side — more than they had in the previous 28 meetings.

Still, United can take some comfort from history: West Ham have only once avoided defeat in both league fixtures against United in consecutive seasons, nearly a century ago in 1932/33 and 1933/34.

United’s current away form is strong, with no league defeats on the road since December, and they face a West Ham team that, despite recent improvements, have lost eight home league games this season.

Key players to watch

Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes has been central to United’s resurgence, contributing to 10 goals in his last eight away league games (two goals, eight assists). His eight away assists have already equalled Ryan Giggs’ 2001/02 record, meaning just one more assist will make him United’s outright record-holder.

Matheus Cunha adds another attacking threat, with four goal involvements in his last five Premier League away games. However, Cunha has yet to score against West Ham in five previous meetings, and United haven’t won three consecutive London games since 2019.

For the Hammers, Jarrod Bowen remains their talisman, having scored more goals against United than any other player in the Premier League era. Crysencio Summerville (five goals in his last five games) and Taty Castellanos are also in form, highlighting West Ham’s attacking threat.

Still, the Hammers’ home record offers hope to United — only four wins from their last 20 league matches at the London Stadium, and just three wins from their last 15 midweek home games (Tuesday–Thursday). Meanwhile, United have won only one of their last nine midweek Premier League away games.

Injuries and suspensions

West Ham will be without Lukasz Fabianski and Jean-Clair Todibo, the latter suspended after a red card against Chelsea. United are missing Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount, and Matthijs de Ligt, all still on the treatment table.