|
One of those 13 fixtures that he missed playing in was the game at Old Trafford, and Jermain Defoe was certainly up for the task of replacing him. Defoe popped up with only goal of the match mid-way through the second half to secure all three points for the Irons.
In the previous season we played Man United 3 times - W1, D1, L1. The draw came first cronologically, at Upton Park, when the Hammers came from two goals down to earn a draw. A 3-1 loss followed at Old Trafford in the league, but the 1-0 victory in the FA Cup fourth round tie more than made up for that.
"There's not many sides that can say they've beaten Manchester United in their last two trips to Old Trafford," says Freddie on his personal icons site. "But that's exactly the position we are in ahead of their visit to Upton Park this Saturday and I think it would be naïve for us not to expect a backlash from them. I'm sure they haven't forgotten those two recent defeats and we known they will be eager to return the compliment."
The young Frenchman certainly has a valid point. The potential of Manchester United should not be underestimated - they could go on to win the league this season, and are still in with a chance to win the Champions' League. However, Freddie says they should not expect a stroll in the park at the Boleyn ground tomorrow.
"But if they believe they will have a comfortable ride at Upton Park, they could be in for a rude awakening because we are proud of our home record this season. Everybody knows about our inconsistencies away from home this year but we haven't conceeded a goal at Upton Park in the Premiership since the Liverpool game in December and we have no intention of allowing United to put an end to that record."
Freddie is keen to point out that it hasn't all been plain sailing against the Reds, and is reminded of his first match against them, when the Hammers lost 7-1 at Old Trafford.
"Personally, I have very mixed memories of facing United during my time in England. Beating them at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last season was, of course, was one of the highlights of my career so far but I cannot banish the memories of my first appearance against Alex Ferguson's side.
"It was only my second ever game for West Ham two years ago when we traveled to Manchester and we ended up on the wrong end of a 7-1 scoreline, despite actually going ahead in the early stages. In my first game, I scored what turned out to be the winner in a league game against Wimbledon and I prepared for the United game full of excitement and anticipation.