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West Ham welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium in what is a big game for both clubs this weekend.

Ahead of the game we spoke to United In Focus lead writer Dan Coombs about David Moyes, Declan Rice, his impressions of West Ham this season and Hammers transfer links to two Manchester United stars.

What are Man United’s objectives at this late stage of the season?

Before the season our objectives were to win a trophy or finish inside the top four. Most realistic Man United fans would have taken either, with a preference for both.

We are firmly on track to achieve both, which has seen the goalposts shift further. It would be a disappointment now if we don’t finish in the top four, and next season a title push will be the aim. This season now we are pushing for a second trophy, having reached the FA Cup final, so its really above expectations.

The fact we face City in the final makes it even more of a ‘must win’ than ever – especially if we need to be the ones to deny them a treble.

Who has been your best player this season?

Unlike last season when there were no contenders, there are multiple options. Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw can all stake a claim. Marcus Rashford has to win it though. Without his goals we would be struggling.

He has already surpassed his personal best. It comes in the context of just how bad he was last season.

He scored only five goals and his performances were awful. I, like many, questioned whether he had a future at the club, and he has come back better than ever, our top scorer by a considerable difference.

What do you think happens with reported West Ham targets Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay this summer?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has turned his prospects around, he has been our most consistent defender in 2023. He’s totally different in style to Diogo Dalot and I think Erik ten Hag has come to appreciate the strengths of both and utilise them accordingly.

We are constantly linked with right-backs but I am doubtful we sign one, priorities are elsewhere. Dalot’s contract expires in 2024, so if we do sign a new right-back, there’s a chance we keep Wan-Bissaka regardless.

Scott McTominay I think will be allowed to go for the right price. That is anywhere between £30m and £50m. Erik ten Hag has spoken highly of him but he doesn’t pick him enough and he will want regular football. It does depend on other business a little.

I think Fred will be sold, Donny van de Beek will go, and we may not re-sign Marcel Sabitzer, so selling McTominay would be somewhat dependent on how many midfielders we sign. If this season has shown anything, its that we need lots of players for multiple competitions and injuries. If we don’t get a suitable offer, we will keep him for another 12 months.

Do you think Man United will be in the mix for Declan Rice this summer?

Unless the asking price drops, I doubt it, even though we will of course be linked. Our top priority is to sign a striker, which will cost most of our transfer budget.

I’d be surprised if we then spent another big chunk of money on a midfielder as well, the only exception would have been for Jude Bellingham, which doesn’t look possible.

It might be possible if we raise a lot in player sales, to add to the budget. From afar, it does look as though Rice seems to be favouring a move to Arsenal.

From the outside, what have you made of West Ham and the David Moyes situation this season having had him as manager at Old Trafford?

I was stunned when you brought Moyes back a second time. To be fair to him, he has done well, and he will fully deserve it if he can win the Europa Conference League this season, it will be great for his career.

As you will appreciate of course, Moyes lacks the traits of a modern, play on the deck, exciting manager, and at some stage, fans want more. This was what got our fans upset, results were poor and the football was bad. The football being bad is OK if results are good, but its not sustainable long-term.

It would be ruthless to get rid of him if he wins a trophy. But sometimes you have to spin the wheel and take a gamble on something different. If I was in charge of West Ham I would go for Graham Potter.

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