OPINION
West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini will know that he made a major tactical error in his team’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night.
The Chilean’s decision to go with a two in central midfield left Declan Rice and Mark Noble horribly exposed, and it wasn’t until Robert Snodgrass entered the fray at half time that the Hammers began to gain a foothold in the game.
The 31-year-old made a massive impact at Stamford Bridge and it’s for that reason that Pellegrini absolutely must start him against Manchester United on Saturday.
The Scotland international is a polarising figure in East London. Many supporters admire his work rate and versatility, whereas others view him as being a set piece merchant and nothing else. He dispelled the latter theory somewhat, though, with a tremendous cameo against the Blues.
He was all over the pitch, joining Rice and Noble in central midfield and driving West Ham forward as they vainly attempted to get something out of the contest. His set piece deliveries were, by the way, typically excellent.
Pellegrini must not make the same mistake of going with a central midfield two against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Instead, Snodgrass must start in a midfield trio.
United have looked vulnerable of late and you need players who will get in their faces and make life difficult for them if you are to capitalise on their weaknesses. Snodgrass will undoubtedly do that, while having the technical ability to make a difference in the final third as well.
The former Hull City man issued a reminder of his worth on Monday night and Pellegrini must heed it. The Scotsman absolutely has to start on Saturday.
