It has been a successful return to action for West Ham following the international break. A vital win at Everton, resolute point against Chelsea and a record result at London Stadium over Macclesfield Town, now it’s Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.
Manuel Pellegrini has faced Jose Mourinho 13 times over the last few years and knows him very well with their battles in Spain and England. It’s Mourinho who’s been in the headlines this week with United losing to Derby in the Carabao Cup, but Pellegrini was respectful of his opponents.
“I can say he has continued to be a top manager, he’s had a brilliant career and every manager has best or worst moments during the season at every club,†Pellegrini said.
“In my experience, maybe big names are not so hard to manage because that’s why they are big name players, not only because they have technical or physical qualities but because they are complete person with maturity.
“But, of course, players are young and everyone has a different character and the manager must try to reach the best way to have his commitment to your project and every manager has a different way.
With confidence building amongst the squad with a run of positive results and plenty of goals flying in, Pellegrini believes a Premier League win at London Stadium is just around the corner.
“Our mood is always linked with our results but, I think, in our worst moment when we lost our opening four Premier League matches, I always saw the players working hard and believing in what we are doing,†he said.
“We improved our results and now we need to win our first game at home in the Premier League on Saturday.â€
As for team news, protagonist Mark Arnautovic was confirmed fit for this weekend after missing the draw with Chelsea last Sunday, a massive boost for the Hammers.
“Marko worked with the squad for the last three days of the week so I think he is 100 per cent fit for tomorrow,†he stated.
At the other end of the scale, 20-year-old Grady Diangana made his debut against Macclesfield and was outstanding, taking a goal and assist, and now must be considered for the squad according to the boss.
“I don’t think Grady’s age is a problem,†said Pellegrini.
“I think that when players have the opportunity then they must take that chance. I always try to analyse performance so we will see if we have space for him in the game tomorrow.â€
Manchester United are set to make changes from their defeat to Derby County on Tuesday, and kick-off is 12:30 at London Stadium.
