OPINION
West Ham have showed signs of coming to life in recent weeks and their chances of achieving a shock win over Manchester United have received a boost courtesy of Jose Mourinho.
The Hammers are set to take on Man United on Saturday at the London Stadium and after beating Everton as well as drawing with Chelsea last weekend then there’s no reason why Manuel Pellegrini’s side cannot take all three points from their upcoming clash.
This is especially the case as the soap opera situation at Man United will be casting a toxic shadow over proceedings for the Hammers’ opponents as Mourinho confirmed that Paul Pogba would feature in Saturday’s game.
“No, he’s a player like the others, no player is bigger than the club and if I’m happy with his work he plays if I’m not happy he doesn’t play, I’m happy with his work this week, really happy, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday especially because today was not so significant but he trained really well, the team needs good players, players with personality to play, he has and he plays tomorrow,” said Mourinho, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“The only thing I’m concerned is you don’t ask me questions which is more important, the match.”
Pogba was pictured by Sky Sports on Wednesday having a frosty exchange of words with his manager at training and there clearly is drama going on between the pair behind the scenes.
The Man United manager is aiming to quickly dismiss the idea of a feud or a problem with the 25-year-old midfielder by playing him against the Hammers but clearly that only aids their opponents.
Pogba has been in disappointing form all season and hasn’t looked at the races in the majority of his seven appearances and after another dramatic week for the midfielder, it doesn’t seem likely that his form will rise from the ashes on Saturday.
The midfielder’s presence is also no doubt going to have a potential negative effect on his teammates and cause a distraction for them, as some will be on team Mourinho rather than team Pogba over whatever is going between the pair.
Given that Man United will potentially not be fully focused or firing on all cylinders due to the whole situation regarding Pogba than the Hammers have been handed the perfect gift after Mourinho confirmed he’d be selecting the 25-year-old to play on Saturday.
Pellegrini’s side can take advantage of their opponent’s minds being elsewhere and get a shock win as it will be a surprise if they get all the points as they’ve only picked up one win all season.
