Graham Potter has named arguably his most bizarre West Ham starting line-up yet for the clash with Man United, risking the wrath of Niclas Fullkrug and the club’s fans.
There was fury among West Ham fans when Graham Potter dropped Niclas Fullkrug two weeks ago.
After a throwing away a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 with Southampton at home a few weeks ago, Fullkrug launched an angry outburst about West Ham.
The German described West Ham as “s—” and said half the team wasn’t listening to Potter.
West Ham fans hailed Fullkrug a hero as they felt someone had finally told it like it is during this most miserable of seasons for the club.
Potter criticised Fullkrug for his rant and angered Hammers fans by dropping the Germany striker at Brighton in the next game.
West Ham were winning that game 2-1 with six minutes to go but somehow conspired to lose 3-2.
During the match the club’s fans aimed three Fullkrug chants at Potter to make it clear how they felt.
Confirmed West Ham team for Man United
The ex Dortmund star was restored to the starting XI against Spurs last time out but West Ham’s attack – as it has been for most of Potter’s time in charge thus far – was ineffective and did not provide chances for the forward.
All eyes ahead of the clash with Man United have been on whether Potter will play Lucas Paqueta.
It was claimed ahead of the game that Paqueta may have already played his last West Ham game.
That’s after the 27-year-old burst into tears after being booked against Tottenham.
Potter subbed Paqueta soon after and it has been stated by a leading journalist that the Brazilian may now sit out West Ham’s last three games as his spot-fixing trial recommences towards a conclusion this month.
Hammers News expected Paqueta to start the game after being described as ‘fine and happy’ in training this week.
Graham Potter risks wrath of Niclas Fullkrug and West Ham fans
But Potter has left Paqueta out of the starting XI to face Manchester United as the confirmed West Ham team is announced.
And Potter has risked the wrath of Fullkrug and fans by dropping the German striker to the bench too.
They are two of three changes Potter has made to the team which started against Spurs.
There may be a touch of sentimentality about the selection as Vladimir Coufal comes in to start instead of Emerson Palmieri.
It remains to be seen whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka will operate at left or right-wing back as a result with Coufal the other side.
The second change sees James Ward-Prowse – who has been hugely underwhelming since returning from a disastrous loan at Forest – come in for Paqueta.
And the final change is perhaps the most bizarre of the lot.
Forgotten man Guido Rodriguez, who has never started under Potter in four months, is called into the side in the place of Fullkrug.
West Ham fans will be furious at the changes.
It remains to be seen whether Fullkrug, Paqueta – beyond the obvious possible situation – and Emerson have issues meaning they could not start.
Because all three are named on the bench.
West Ham starting XI to face Man United:
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Coufal, Rodriguez, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Bowen.
A penny for Fullkrug’s thoughts.
One thing is for certain, like West Ham’s fans, Fullkrug won’t hold back with his opinion on the manager’s decision.
Especially up against a much-changed Man United side who have their eyes on the much more important matter of a Europa League final on the horizon in 10 days.
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