Manchester United welcome West Ham United to Manchester, with United progressing in each of the last three ties against the Hammers. The most recent encounter came in the quarter-finals of the 2015/16 competition. After a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, the Red Devils won 2-1 in the replay at Old Trafford, before lifting the trophy under Louis Van Gaal, but lost in the final two years later. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini secured the victory.  

Both teams are in good form in the league, despite Everton’s last-minute winner at Old Trafford on Saturday, which resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men settling for just the point, hampering their title mount. United defeated West Ham in the league in December thanks to goals from Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

Man United beat Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford in the last round, an exceptional free kick from Bruno Fernandes settled it for the hosts. West Ham, however, come into the fifth round on the back of a 4-0 demolishing win against Doncaster Rovers at the London Stadium in the previous outing. The goals nicely shared across the squad on the night, which some talented debutants featuring.

United have won this competition 12 times trailing Arsenal by just two for the most in English football history, but have not triumphed since overcoming Crystal Palace in the 2016 final. West Ham on the other hand haven’t hoisted the cup since 1980. United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in last season’s semi-final and will be looking to go one better this time around, reaching the quarter finals in each of their past six seasons.

Below is all you need to know ahead of the Emirates FA Cup contest at Old Trafford.

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  • What team is Solskjaer likely to name?

Solskjaer will be without Paul Pogba after the 27-year-old French international left the turf against Everton on Saturday with a first-half injury. The United manager confirmed he will be without the much-improved midfielder for a few weeks.

The United manager might look to bench David De Gea after his goalkeeping errors in the previous match. England international Dean Henderson is likely to start as he has done in all his previous Emirates FA Cup and EFL Cup clashes. The United manager admits he is contemplating resting Harry Maguire, though they would then lose a massive aerial threat against the likes of Thomas Soucek.

United will again be without the services of Phil Jones due to a long-term knee injury. Eric Bailly also remains a doubt as he picked up a knock ahead of the Everton clash. Alex Telles is in contention to make his first start of the month, in line for a start over Luke Shaw.

Fred is also likely to be shifted into midfield replacing Paul Pogba, although the United is expected to resist the temptation to make too many alterations. Donny Van De Beek could be set for a rare start in the ranks. With West Brom to come this weekend, Solskjaer may go stronger with his selection here, then rotate against the Baggies. Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic are two players pushing to be involved in the Starting XI come Tuesday night.

Although Edinson Cavani is higher in the pecking order than Martial to start, there is a chance both could feature in this game. Scott McTominay may start in midfield to counter West Ham’s aerial threat in particular Thomas Soucek’s. Man United supporters will be desperate to get a glimpse of teen sensation Amad Diallo but Solskjaer may feel it’s too soon for the youngster.

The highly-rated Ivorian since joining United from Atalanta has impressed in training and has been sensational for the under-23’s. In his two appearances, Diallo has scored three goals and provided three assists, making a strong case for himself for inclusion in the senior team and a first-team debut.

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  • Head-to-Head

16 Jan 2013, Manchester United v West Ham, (W) 1-0, Emirates FA Cup.

13 Mar 2016, Manchester United v West Ham, (D), 1-1, Emirates FA Cup

  • Possible Starting XI?

Henderson: Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Greenwood, Cavani.

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