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What was your reaction to the news that Alex Ferguson had signed a new contract?
I was glad because insecurity was affecting the team at the start of the season, United were inconsistent and at one point I believed that the title wasn't going to United this year. Luckily it's been close this year and United have climbed back to top.
Do you think that David Beckham will sign a new contract and stay at Manchester United?
In my opinion, yeah. He's loyal, he has always supported United and it was his dream to play here. I doubt his wife will want to move to Spain so he can play there so he's just squeezing the sponge dry - seeing how much he can get out of United.
How much to you blame Ferguson and Laurent Blanc for the early season slump you suffered, after selling Japp Stam?
Like I said in the first question, the side was insecure because they didn't know what the future held for them. Ferguson is a great manager and the players have a lot of respect for him, it doesn't help when they're worrying about if he is leaving or not. Blanc, as any player took a while to fit in. Coincidence saw the names of the five teams that beat United actually spelt BLANC when the first letter was taken from their name. He has got used to this side and, I'm sure, will lead United to another title this year?
What do you think about the signing of Diego Forlan?
He is a talented player although he hasn't actually done anything special since moving. He is back up for Van Nistlerooy in my opinion. He scored 36 is 77 appearances for 'Independiente' (see UnitedMAG player page) but has yet to prove himself at United as a goal scorer.
Are there going to be any big names leaving Old Trafford this summer?
Hopefully nobody will leave - you never know in football, a big offer could come in anytime. The only person I could think of - Beckham possibly to another English club if he doesn't get his requested pay packet.
Despite the fact that Man U are playing well at the moment, do you think they will feel intimidated about coming to Upton Park, where only 7 goals have been conceded all season, and they will be playing against a side that has beaten them twice in their past two meetings?
I think Manchester United go into every game knowing that they can win, Alex Ferguson does his job well by motivating the players before hand. West Ham will be given utmost respect of course, your record speaks for itself but I would have thought United will go at you with a full strength squad and for the win.
Are there any key players missing for the Hammers match?
No, we have a full squad to choose from - that team from Wednesday's champions league game in fact. As you saw, there are several players who work hard and turn on the style when needed, the United team we saw last night should easily win this league - and they're all fit!
Who are your worst and best players so far this season?
Blanc had a shaky start but has recovered and is pretty solid in defence now. Best players? Ryan Giggs perhaps. His recent form is outstanding since he came back into the line-up and there aren't many people who can take people on like that and run at defenders.
Have you got any hidden gems in your squad?
Hidden? No - The media make sure everyone knows the entire United team! Ryan Giggs who I've just mentioned will cause problems for you if he plays - His recent form is superb.
In which area do you think the team needs the most money invested?
Perhaps the defence could be more solid with the introduction of a world-class player. Other than that, you can't really fault the United line-up.
How do you think the team will line up against the Hammers?
Same as Wednesday night. We may perhaps see Paul Scholes back in the starting 11, he was disappointed to be out of the line-up on Wednesday night and Ferguson admitted it was hard to leave him out, he has done well. Maybe someone will be rested in favour of a return for Paul?
What is your current opinion on West Ham?
Good Side. Your record defensively is excellent, it is your away form that lets you down, even though you beat United! I do like the club and I think that United will give you utmost respect going into the game.
Who do you think is West Ham's potentially dangerous player?
Well I think a lot of Joe Cole. He is a fantastic young player who could cause problems in our strong midfield. He will not be given space. Also Di Canio knows how to make magic up front, he caught us unaware before and could do it again.
What do you think the score will be?
2-1 to United.
With Rob predicting a victory to Man United, we took a look at the head-to-head table between the two sides. Out of the 98 times that the two sides have met, Manchester United come out marginally the better side, with 41 victories to the Hammers 35.
At Upton Park though, West Ham come through by far the stronger side, with 23 wins to the Reds' 9. In fact, West Ham have won more at Old Trafford than Manchester United have at the Boleyn.
However, although the Irons have won the past two meetings between the two sides, Man U come out firmly on top over the past decade. Before the the last couple of fixtures, West Ham last got three points off Man U in 1992. But in the last 10 years, the sides have drawn 2-2 three times at Upton Park, the Reds have only won twice, and the remainder draws.
With the Hammers home defence being the tightest in the Premiership it would be unwise to think that Man U will put many past David James, who will be keen to impress the onlooking Sven Goran Eriksson. But with their potency in attack, who would bet against them scoring a goal or two?
Looking at the stats, and recent form, a score draw might be a sensible bet then.
| At West Ham (48) | At Man Utd (50) | Overall (98 matches) | ||||||||
| Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | Results | Total | % | ||
| West Ham | 23 | 47.92 | Man Utd | 32 | 64 | West Ham | 35 | 35.71 | ||
| Man Utd | 9 | 18.75 | West Ham | 12 | 24 | Man Utd | 41 | 41.84 | ||
| Draws | 16 | 33.33 | Draws | 6 | 12 | Draws | 22 | 22.45 | ||
| Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | Goals | Total | Av.pg | ||
| West Ham | 81 | 1.69 | Man Utd | 115 | 2.3 | West Ham | 136 | 1.39 | ||
| Man Utd | 62 | 1.29 | West Ham | 55 | 1.1 | Man Utd | 177 | 1.81 | ||
| Records | |||||
| Highest Aggregate | 8 | Man Utd | 7 - 1 | West Ham | 1999/2000 |
| Highest West Ham score: | 5 | West Ham | 5 - 1 | Man Utd | 1930/1931 |
| Highest Man Utd score: | 7 | Man Utd | 7 - 1 | West Ham | 1999/2000 |
| Season | Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
| 2001/2002 | Sat 08 Dec | Man Utd | 0 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership |
| 2000/2001 | Sun 28 Jan | Man Utd | 0 - 1 | West Ham | F.A. Cup |
| Mon 01 Jan | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership | |
| Sat 26 Aug | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Man Utd | Premiership | |
| 1999/2000 | Sat 01 Apr | Man Utd | 7 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership |
| Sat 18 Dec | West Ham | 2 - 4 | Man Utd | Premiership | |
| 1998/1999 | Sun 10 Jan | Man Utd | 4 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership |
| Sat 22 Aug | West Ham | 0 - 0 | Man Utd | Premiership | |
| 1997/1998 | Wed 11 Mar | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | Premiership |
| Sat 13 Sep | Man Utd | 2 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership | |
| 1996/1997 | Sun 11 May | Man Utd | 2 - 0 | West Ham | Premiership |
| Sun 08 Dec | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Man Utd | Premiership | |
| 1995/1996 | Mon 22 Jan | West Ham | 0 - 1 | Man Utd | Premiership |
| Wed 23 Aug | Man Utd | 2 - 1 | West Ham | Premiership | |
| 1994/1995 | Sun 14 May | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | Premiership |
| Sat 15 Oct | Man Utd | 1 - 0 | West Ham | Premiership | |
| 1993/1994 | Sat 26 Feb | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Man Utd | Premiership |
| Wed 01 Sep | Man Utd | 3 - 0 | West Ham | Premiership | |
| 1991/1992 | Wed 22 Apr | West Ham | 1 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 23 Nov | Man Utd | 2 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1988/1989 | Sat 21 Jan | West Ham | 1 - 3 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 24 Sep | Man Utd | 2 - 0 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1987/1988 | Sat 26 Mar | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sun 25 Oct | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1986/1987 | Tue 14 Apr | West Ham | 0 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Mon 25 Aug | Man Utd | 2 - 3 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1985/1986 | Sun 02 Feb | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Mon 26 Aug | Man Utd | 2 - 0 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1984/1985 | Fri 15 Mar | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 13 Oct | Man Utd | 5 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1983/1984 | Sat 28 Apr | Man Utd | 0 - 0 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sun 27 Nov | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1982/1983 | Tue 22 Mar | Man Utd | 2 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 30 Oct | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1981/1982 | Sat 08 May | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Wed 27 Jan | Man Utd | 1 - 0 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1977/1978 | Sat 22 Apr | Man Utd | 3 - 0 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 10 Dec | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1976/1977 | Mon 16 May | West Ham | 4 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 27 Nov | Man Utd | 0 - 2 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1975/1976 | Sat 28 Feb | Man Utd | 4 - 0 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 25 Oct | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1973/1974 | Sat 12 Jan | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 15 Sep | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1972/1973 | Sat 20 Jan | Man Utd | 2 - 2 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 02 Sep | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1971/1972 | Sat 01 Jan | West Ham | 3 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 18 Sep | Man Utd | 4 - 2 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1970/1971 | Sat 03 Apr | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 29 Aug | Man Utd | 1 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1969/1970 | Sat 17 Jan | West Ham | 0 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 27 Sep | Man Utd | 5 - 2 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1968/1969 | Sat 29 Mar | West Ham | 0 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 07 Sep | Man Utd | 1 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1967/1968 | Sat 06 Jan | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 02 Sep | West Ham | 1 - 3 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1966/1967 | Sat 06 May | West Ham | 1 - 6 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 01 Apr | Man Utd | 3 - 0 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1965/1966 | Sat 30 Apr | West Ham | 3 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 04 Dec | Man Utd | 0 - 0 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1964/1965 | Wed 02 Sep | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Mon 24 Aug | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1963/1964 | Sat 07 Mar | West Ham | 0 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 26 Oct | Man Utd | 0 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1962/1963 | Mon 18 Mar | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division |
| Sat 27 Oct | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | First Division | |
| 1961/1962 | Sat 16 Dec | Man Utd | 1 - 2 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 19 Aug | West Ham | 1 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1960/1961 | Wed 14 Sep | Man Utd | 6 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Mon 05 Sep | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1959/1960 | Mon 18 Apr | Man Utd | 5 - 3 | West Ham | First Division |
| Fri 15 Apr | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1958/1959 | Wed 17 Sep | Man Utd | 4 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Mon 08 Sep | West Ham | 3 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1937/1938 | Sat 30 Apr | West Ham | 1 - 0 | Man Utd | Second Division |
| Wed 23 Feb | Man Utd | 4 - 0 | West Ham | Second Division | |
| 1935/1936 | Sat 07 Mar | West Ham | 1 - 2 | Man Utd | Second Division |
| Sat 16 Nov | Man Utd | 2 - 3 | West Ham | Second Division | |
| 1934/1935 | Sat 09 Mar | West Ham | 0 - 0 | Man Utd | Second Division |
| Sat 27 Oct | Man Utd | 3 - 1 | West Ham | Second Division | |
| 1933/1934 | Mon 02 Apr | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | Second Division |
| Fri 30 Mar | Man Utd | 0 - 1 | West Ham | Second Division | |
| 1932/1933 | Sat 22 Apr | Man Utd | 1 - 2 | West Ham | Second Division |
| Sat 10 Dec | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Man Utd | Second Division | |
| 1930/1931 | Sat 14 Feb | Man Utd | 1 - 0 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 11 Oct | West Ham | 5 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1929/1930 | Sat 01 Feb | Man Utd | 4 - 2 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 28 Sep | West Ham | 2 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1928/1929 | Sat 02 Feb | Man Utd | 2 - 3 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 22 Sep | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1927/1928 | Sat 10 Mar | Man Utd | 1 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 29 Oct | West Ham | 1 - 2 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1926/1927 | Sat 19 Mar | Man Utd | 0 - 3 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 30 Oct | West Ham | 4 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1925/1926 | Sat 02 Jan | Man Utd | 2 - 1 | West Ham | First Division |
| Sat 29 Aug | West Ham | 1 - 0 | Man Utd | First Division | |
| 1922/1923 | Tue 26 Dec | West Ham | 0 - 2 | Man Utd | Second Division |
| Mon 25 Dec | Man Utd | 1 - 2 | West Ham | Second Division | |