Manchester United v West Ham United

1. Man Utd XI: De Gea, Darmian, McNair, Smalling, Blind, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Fellaini, Lingard, Martial
2. West Ham XI: Adrian, Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Song, Noble, Kouyate, Moses, Zarate, Carroll

FULL-TIME

Louds boos at Old Trafford.

Another goalless draw for Manchester United, while West Ham claim a well-deserved point.

Read the match report here

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CLOSE!

Almost! Defender Chris Smalling's shot it blocked close to the line by a resolute West Ham defence.

Corner for Manchester United...

Three minutes of added time.

West Ham almost there.

No sign of a winner from either side.

The cure for insomnia?

Reuters

I wonder how much money the NHS would save if doctors would start prescribing Manchester United games for those with insomnia? It's also a lot safer than medication as well...

Vince in London

SUBSTITUTION

That's Mauro Zarate's last action of the match. He is replaced by defender Carl Jenkinson. West Ham holding out for a point. A well-deserved point.

Mauro Zarate whips in a free-kick from the right which Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea punches clear.

Four minutes left. Is there a winner in this?

YELLOW CARD

Michael Carrick goes in the book for a cynical trip on West Ham's Mark Noble who was leading a breakaway.

Manchester United man took one for the team.

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

"Incredibly frustrating for Manchester United fans - it really could have been 1-0 there. 

"West Ham for me, have been the better side. They have defended very well and could have been 3-0 up by now." 

...but Juan Mata's corner comes to nothing.

Full-back Guillermo Varela makes his way forward and earns a corner...

'Bias against the big boys'

Reuters

I'm absolutely sick of the discrimination big boys like myself and Fellaini suffer week in week out. Every game about 5 or 6 fouls against us go unpunished just because we're stronger than the opposition. Football is a game for men not boys yet certain players seem to be penalised regularly for their athleticism.

Simon, York

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"United lack that goalscorer, they are getting the opportunities but they should at least be hitting the target."

CLOSE!

Yes they will get a better chance!!

Jesse Lingard can't keep his composure, bashing a drive wide from inside the area when he should have buried it.

Two quick opportunities for the hosts.

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CLOSE!

And there's the chance they've been waiting for!

Great play from sub Memphis Depay on the left, working an opening with Marouane Fellain before pulling a cutback to Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman opens up his body and caresses a finish towards the far post, but it sails inches wide off target.

Will they get a better chance?

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands watching on. Wonder what he makes of another slow and ponderous performance from the home side.

SUBSTITUTION

Midfielder Pedro Obiang on for West Ham in place of Alex Song, who has had an excellent game in his first start of the season.

13 minutes to go.

EPA

Where's Anthony Martial?

Caught on his heels that's where. Full-back Matteo Darmian whips in an inviting cross across the six-yard box but there's a lack of red shirts busting a gut to get on the end of it.

Martial heads wide from the resulting corner.  

Groans of frustration from the home faithful.

Can United fans please stop moaning. You are one goal away from being top of the league.

Steve Huish - Surbiton

SUBSTITUTION

Last throw of the dice from Louis van Gaal.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger makes way for winger Memphis Depay. Can the Dutchman make an impact?

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Manchester United striker Anthony Martial just can't get his shot away from inside the box.

The ball eventually reaches Bastian Schweinsteiger on the edge of the box but the German blasts his effort over the bar.

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CLOSE!

Have Manchester United got that one piece of magic in them to finally break down the West Ham resistance?

They show quick footwork inside the area as Anthony Martial exchanges passes with Juan Mata, but the Spaniard screws a right-footed effort wide of goal.

AFP

With Man Utd's recent track record of lack of shots on target you have to question West Ham's decision to play a goalkeeper.

Andy from Romsey

No way through for Manchester United.

Juan Mata's free-kick is headed away by West Ham full-back Aaron Cresswell and the Hammers maintain their clean sheet. It has been a heroic effort from their backline so far.

West Ham midfielder Alex Song chops down Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and a free-kick in a promising position...

CLOSE!

Better from Manchester United!

Striker Anthony Martial with some quick footwork on the left of the box before feeding a ball into Marouane Fellaini in the six-yard box, but the Belgian's effort is kept out well by West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

Reuters

"West Ham should be 3-0 up now. Mauro Zarate was clear through on goal - a golden chance - but misses the target. 

"Manchester United are having to scurry to stay in the game. It really is all West Ham!"  

What a move from West Ham, pity for them that Mauro Zarate couldn't crown it with a finish.

Twice they've hit the woodwork and a further two one-on-ones missed. They really should be home and dry by now.

Opta

Only two Manchester United players are in their own half, according to the average position map.

West Ham are camped back in their own half, but have had the better chances to break the deadlock.

Opta

CLOSE!

How many more chances do West Ham want??

Great link-up play up top between Andy Carroll and Mauro Zarate. The Englishman with a deft touch to put the Argentine through, he's onside and one-on-one, but drags his shot wide of goal.

He won't get a better chance than that this afternoon!

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LVG has made some great moves in the transfer market, both in and out of Old Trafford. His coaching philosophy is looking very last decade though. Maybe he should move to a Director of Football role and give Giggs the chance to pick the team.

Roy, a DUFC fan in Dundee

Keep ball again from Manchester United but they're not making anything of it.

West Ham eventually get the ball back after defender Winston Reid steps in and they break at the other end.

Forward Mauro Zarate drills a low effort which David de Gea gathers easily.

Just a warning sign for the home side that West Ham are very much still in this game.

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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic on the touchline making all sorts of hand gestures to his players. I can't make head nor tail of it, hopefully they know what he's talking about.

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Salford City are more exciting than United at moment.

Vinny

Winger Jesse Lingard finds space 30 yards out and lets fly, but it's over the crossbar and no worries for West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

West Ham have defended really well in this game. The solid foundation at the back has been built predominantly by New Zealander Winston Reid. Can they keep it going?

Full-back Guillermo Varela gets his first touch in a Manchester United shirt. Not sure if it's an injury or tactical change in place of Paddy McNair.

KICK-OFF

Back under way at Old Trafford.

SUBSTITUTION

Full-back Guillermo Varela gets his debut for Manchester Untied, coming on at right-back for Paddy McNair.

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

"The Premier League is up for grabs. Manchester City were tanked today at Stoke, Leicester are 2-0 up at Swansea, and Manchester United are drawing at home to West Ham - who could be 2-0 up.

"You just want United to take the handbrake off. Let's see you go and express yourself!  Players with such ability are lacklustre and afraid to play. I just can't understand it."

Reuters

So, how is this game going to pan out in the second period? Are Manchester United looking at collecting their fourth 0-0 draw in nine games, or can West Ham snatch a goal they deserve?

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'Plenty of possession but no real penetration'. How long will it be before United finally sort this problem out?

Theo in London

Is this the day when West Ham end their long, barren run at Old Trafford?

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HALF-TIME

Getty Images

And there's the whistle for half-time. Goalless. As expected.

One more chance to come in this half?

Two minutes added on at Old Trafford.

'Embarrassing'

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

AFP

“The way Winston Reid goes down is almost a disgrace. I’d be embarrassed if I went down like that. Remember the wrestling that used to be on on Saturdays? It was like that."

SUBSTITUTION

It looks like the second hammy of the day. Morgan Schneiderlin limps off for Manchester United and Michael Carrick - against his old club - enters the fray.

Two minutes to go until half-time.

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

"Bastian Schweinsteiger was just trying to get away from Winston Reid. I have seen players get booked for that, and an overly officious referee might have sent him off, but there is not a lot in it. 

"Well done Mark Clattenburg."

Referee having a word with West Ham defender Winston Reid and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after the pair tangle on the edge of the box.

Not much going on down the Manchester United end, but it's West Ham who have come closest to scoring. 

Opta

An all-mighty scramble inside the West Ham box. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini goes down after a challenge from Winston Reid but no penalty.

After that, West Ham struggle to clear and Morgan Schneiderlin and Chris Smalling both have shots blocked. The Hammers eventually get the ball away.

Winger Michail Antonio was brought in during the summer for a hefty £7m fee from Championship side Nottingham Forest, but he makes just his third substitute appearance of the season.

West Ham's shape stays the same as Antonio takes up a position on the right.

SUBSTITUTION

More injury problems for West Ham. Winger Victor Moses has to hobble off and forgotten man Michail Antonio comes on in his place.

It's a chilly old day all around the country and a thorough warm-up is required and Moses comes a cropper.

West Ham winger Victor Moses is down. Looks like a hamstring injury...

Subdued atmosphere now inside Old Trafford. Even the 'five Cantonas' song has stopped being sung by the Stretford End.

How long before the "attack, attack, attack" chants start?

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini stretches to get the ball after letting it run loose and leaves one in on the leg of West Ham defender James Tomkins.

Referee Mark Clattenburg sees nothing wrong with it, but it could have been a card of a bloody colour if the official had seen it from a different angle.

Fellaini got sent off for a similar tackle in the last game of last season against Hull.

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

"David de Gea was well and truly beaten. West Ham are unlucky not to be 2-0 up here."       

Megs! Midfielder Juan Mata with some silky skills to play the ball through the legs of West Ham midfielder Alex Song.

Song making his first start of the season. A nice welcome back for him.

It came to nothing though. The visitors have had the better chances in this match. Will they come to rue the misses opportunities?

HITS THE WOODWORK

AFP

United holding on by the skin of their teeth, they really should be behind at home this afternoon.

This time centre-back Winston Reid rattles the post with a towering header from a corner.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Nervy moments for Manchester United!

West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell's low cross causes a problem for goalkeeper David de Gea, who fumbles it, and Chris Smalling's clearance comes off Mauro Zarate's head and off the woodwork.

Hammers slowly getting into this game.

Goalless after 20 minutes but it's been a watchable opening spell at Old Trafford.

Here's how the possession looks...

Opta

Leicester lead

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"Leicester don’t have to have possession of the ball, it’s what they do when they don’t have it. Everyone is talking about Jurgen Klopp and the way Liverpool play under him, but Claudio Ranieri has been equally impressive."

Over at the Liberty Stadium...

CLOSE!

Reuters

What a block Winston Reid!!

Winger Jesse Lingard is causing all sorts of problems on the left and he puts in a ball to Marouane Fellaini, who shows great composure to knock the ball back to Anthony Martial.

The striker is around eight yards out, swivels and angles a goalbound shot, but New Zealander Reid puts his body on the line to stop the opening goal.

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No Rooney is a big boost to the speed of United's play. To then add Fellaini is disappointing.

Ben, Manchester

Reuters

Striker Anthony Martial's first sniff for Manchester United as midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin does well to win the ball back before playing his team-mate in.

The Frenchman is shackled well by West Ham defender Winston Reid though, and is forced away from goal and the danger is averted.

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CLOSE!

West Ham should be ahead!

Centre-back Daley Blind is a relieved man after giving the ball away in the middle of the park. The Hammers break clear and winger Victor Moses is through on goal, one-on-one with David de Gea, but the Spanish stopper wins the battle of wits, standing tall to thwart the West Ham man.

De Gea to United's rescue? Not the first time we've read that this season.

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Reuters

Big Marouane Fellani involved again. Playing in behind striker Anthony Martial, the Belgian is getting forward. This time he gets his head onto a lovely Paddy McNair cross but can't find the target.

Encouraging for the home fans. West Ham haven't troubled United goalkeeper David de Gea yet.

Pragmatic Van Gaal

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on Final Score

"Louis van Gaal wants to win his first trophy. This pragmatic approach today is what is needed, but they need to be careful because there is no Wayne Rooney. Is it a better team without Rooney? If they do well today he may stick with this team."  

Reuters

Oh hello! The bushy-haired lanky midfielder Marouane Fellaini collects the ball inside the West Ham half before galloping on a giraffe-like run upfield. 

He skips past a Hammers man, gets to the edge of the area but his finish can't match his run and dribbles wide of goal.

'No Rooney might make difference'

How will Manchester United fare without Wayne Rooney today? Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin thinks a pacier alternative up front could suit the Red Devils.

"I would rather not see Rooney as a centre forward," he told 5 live Sport on Friday. "He has nowhere near the pace that he once had or the pace you need to get beyond teams. 

"So what happens is you keep the ball, play it slower and it becomes really static. If you put someone quick up there it lengthens the game.

"Manchester United don't have anyone going behind an opposition defence other than Martial. So take Wayne Rooney out and put someone quick up there, you might see a difference. When Rooney's back, I'd play him but not necessarily up front."

Manchester United already showing some pace in the final third as winger Jesse Lingard, playing from the left, makes a burst into the box but West Ham centre-back James Tomkins stretches out a long leg to halt the attack.

Shortly after, full-back Paddy McNair blasts an effort over the crossbar.

Bright start from the hosts.

Pre-match prayers, rituals, back pats, hand slaps, huddles, sprints all done.

Home side get us under way at Old Trafford.

What are West Ham up against?

Getty Images

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is the only away player to score at Old Trafford in the league this season...and what a goal it was!

Slaven Bilic's side have suffered a drop in form recently, winless in their last four games. Their run of nine games without a clean sheet is the most in the division at the moment, so Manchester United may find some joy in finding the back of the net today.

They come up against a Red Devils side who are yet to lose at home this campaign, conceding just one goal in that period. 

On top of that, Louis van Gaal's side have kept clean sheets in five successive league and cup games.

An ask of the biggest proportions for West Ham!

'Man Utd for the title? A hollow victory'

Garth Crooks

Former Spurs striker on Final Score

"I've never written Manchester United off. The only criticism I have is that they are incredibly dull to watch. 

"It's quite tragic when you have such exciting players playing with such a lack of adventure.

"And if they were to win the title, it would really be a hollow victory. Because there's nothing for their fans to shout about."

This is the One blaring out across the speakers inside Old Trafford. They should make that the after-goal song. Not expecting more than the solitary strike into the back of the net today, are we?

Time for a Christmas Carroll

Getty Images

West Ham are missing some key men this afternoon and will have to do it the hard way to get anything out of the game at Old Trafford.

The hugely impressive Dimitri Payet, who was the protagonist for their excellent start to the season, is missing until February while striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out for three months.

That leaves the burden on big man Andy Carroll up front, who himself has had his own fair share of injury setbacks.

Heading into the busy festive period, West Ham - who have not won in their last four - will be hoping the Englishman can stay off the treatment table and give the fans something to sing about.

'Rooney needs to play in a team with pace'

Some Manchester United fans have been, somewhat harshly, celebrating Wayne Rooney's absence with an ankle injury today.

However, former Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend reckons Rooney can still be effective for the Red Devils.

"I don’t subscribe to the theory that his legs have gone," he told 5 live Sport on Friday. "The biggest thing, I think, is that the team is too slow. Manchester United don’t have enough pace in that team. 

"They are playing in third gear and that is one of the biggest reasons that hampers Wayne Rooney. He needs to be playing in a team with blistering pace, using his experience in the right areas and at the big moment."

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How times have changed...

No Rooney, different United?

PA

The main talking point before the game at Old Trafford is that of skipper Wayne Rooney missing from the Manchester United side.

The striker has been almost undroppable, despite his poor form and scoring just two league goals so far.

But an ankle injury sees birthday boy Anthony Martial start up front for Louis van Gaal's men.

Will this prompt a change in the style of play, or will the keep ball, safety first way continue?

Manchester City have just been beaten 2-0 (should have been more) by Stoke so rivals Manchester United will go second with victory against West Ham. They could even go top if surprise package Leicester fail to win at Swansea.

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BBC

Manchester United might be looking good for a top-four finish in the Premier League - but it is a different story in the BBC Sport Predictor league. Red Devils fans are 12th in our table, five places adrift of Hammers supporters. You can change all that now by predicting the outcome of this match and the rest of the weekend’s fixtures here.

Team news

BBC

No Wayne Rooney for Manchester United so Anthony Martial gets a start up front with Marouane Fellaini coming in to replace the skipper.

Marcos Rojo's dislocated shoulder means Matteo Darmian starts at left-back and Paddy McNair on the right.

BBC

West Ham are without striker Diafra Sakho so Andy Carroll deputises, while Alex Song makes his first start of the season.  

Another shock on the cards?

Getty Images

Any sign of a goal...?

Just one goal conceded at home all season, Manchester United's rather conservative style of play has received plenty of criticism from fans this season.

On the other hand, West Ham's travelling supporters have seen some away results beyond their wildest dreams, collecting three point each at Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Can the Hammers cause another shock?

Rex Features

Welcome to our live page for Manchester United v West Ham United. We’ll have text commentary here from 14:30 GMT, plus you can follow radio commentary of this game via the live coverage tab. You can keep up to date with all the build-up to today’s games here.