West Ham can cope without Jesse Lingard and Manchester United won’t want to play them says Clinton Morrison

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As West Ham United face Manchester United this evening much has been made about the absence of Jesse Lingard.

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The midfielder has been a revelation for West Ham since joining on loan from Man United in January.

So much so he was nominated for player of the month and has been tipped for an England recall.

Premier League loan rules mean Lingard cannot continue his fine West Ham form when they face his parent club.

Big deal made of Lingard absence but Hammers were in top four race before his arrival

Many pundits and fans fear his absence weakens West Ham.

It is a big blow for David Moyes there is no doubt.

But West Ham were winning matches and competing for the top four BEFORE Lingard’s arrival.

And Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison says the Hammers have the players to cope against a depleted Man United side.

“You do (fancy West Ham’s chances), Lingard’s not available which is a huge blow because I think he’s been outstanding for West Ham… he’s made a big difference,” Morrison said on Soccer Saturday.

‘West Ham have the players to cope without Lingard and Man United won’t be looking forward to playing them’

“But (Michail) Antonio is probably looking and thinking can I cause this backline a few problems and they’ve got other players.

“(Said) Benrahma, (Pablo) Fornals, (Tomas) Soucek, Declan Rice you can go on because West Ham have been outstanding.

“They went toe-to-toe with Man City and done ever so well, on another day they could have got something.

“It is a game Man United won’t be looking forward to, it will be difficult.”

Morrison is spot on. West Ham have given Man United two very tough tests this season already.

West Ham can take advantage of depleted Red Devils

It took extra-time and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s cavalry to see off an obdurate Hammers in the FA Cup.

And West Ham were by far the better team and were winning in the reverse league fixture but lost their way when Man United scored a hugely controversial equaliser after the ball had clearly gone out in the build-up.

According to Solskjaer Man United will be without seven players against West Ham including Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

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