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Kurt Zouma lifts lid on David Moyes prophecy to West Ham players and tactical nous that inspired Man United win

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Kurt Zouma has lifted the lid on a David Moyes prophecy to his West Ham players and the tactical nous that inspired the Man United win.

A few days ago David Moyes was being labelled ‘clueless’ by many furious West Ham fans and observers for his team selection and tactics in the 5-1 cup drubbing at Liverpool.

The frustration was understandable given how wide open the Carabao Cup looks now the Hammers have a taste for silverware.

But there was vindication of sorts for Moyes when a number of the players he rested at Anfield put in superb performances to help West Ham beat Man United 2-0 in the Premier League.

Especially as the win lifted the Hammers up to sixth in the table for Christmas.

West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Zouma lifts lid on prophetic Moyes message to players

There was no sign of Moyes’ midweek changes having any tangible benefit in a first half that was like watching paint dry for West Ham.

But it was dishwater to oles as West Ham’s Holy Trinity burst into life to inspire the win over the Red Devils.

Now captain Kurt Zouma has lifted the lid on a Moyes prophecy to his West Ham players and the tactical nous that inspired the Man United win.

The defender has told the club’s official site that Moyes knew the Hammers would win if they followed his plan – something which seemed unlikely on the first half showing.

Zouma also revealed Moyes – who is painted as something of a tactical dinosaur in some quarters – gives his front three Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen the freedom to express themselves.

FBL-ENG-PR-WEST HAM-MAN UTD
Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

Tactical nous and freedom of expression

“The spirit is always there, the mentality is always there and we always fight for each other like a family,” Zouma said.

“That’s what I always say and as you can see, everyone went in the same direction and was fighting for every ball. We were patient, we had some tough moments, but we managed to dig deep and stay strong and get the win at the end.

“We had to do the job to stay compact and keep it solid, and the manager said at half-time that if we stay solid and don’t concede then something’s going to come, we were going to make a chance and that’s what happened.

“Those three guys, you can see they have the freedom and the connection between them is very good and hopefully for us, it keeps going that way.”

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