West Ham United’s veteran midfielder Robert Snodgrass could be the surprise beneficiary if playmaker Manuel Lanzini is ruled out against Manchester United, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claims that the Scotland international, on a reported £40,000-per-week at the club [Source: Spotrac], could be handed a shock start if Lanzini isn’t fit enough on Sunday.
While the report mentions summer signing Pablo Fornals and England star Jack Wilshere as other potential candidates to replace the Argentine, a point is made to include the 32-year-old as a possible starter.
Lanzini will have a late fitness check to assess whether he is capable of playing from the beginning against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side at the London Stadium.
OPINION
Snodgrass would certainly be a surprise starter in Lanzini’s place when compared to Fornals. The Spaniard was signed for big money from Villarreal, presumably to play a role in the first team sooner or later. He hasn’t really done that so far this campaign, though, with manager Manuel Pellegrini preferring to integrate him to English football slowly. However, Lanzini’s injury problem could present the ideal opportunity for the Chilean to give him another start here. As for Wilshere, he is an enticing option. At some point Pellegrini’s going to need to give him a run of games, because otherwise he’ll never get back to his Arsenal heyday. The Englishman also provides more defensive nous than Fornals. Snodgrass is another option, though. His work rate is undoubtedly the highest of the trio, while his set piece delivery is typically terrific. So it would be a surprise if the former Hull City man was the one chosen to replace Lanzini, but it’s definitely a possibility.
