Manchester United welcome West Ham to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

United expected to compete for the Premier League title this season, but that challenge never began and they are now fighting to secure a top-four finish for Champions League football, something which David Moyes' West Ham are also hoping to achieve.

The Reds beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday night after an inspired second-half performance in London. That was United's first league win of 2022 and it offered some much-needed respite after a string of poor results against Aston Villa and Wolves.

United now sit on 35 points in the table, which means they're two points behind fourth-placed West Ham with a game in hand.

West Ham are enjoying another strong season, but they head into this fixture on the back of a 3-2 defeat against Leeds.

Here is how our MEN writers think United should line up.

Samuel Luckhurst

If Victor Lindelof was available then United should have played the same side. The awful ordeal his family suffered in midweek means Harry Maguire should be the only change from the midweek win.

United should have used 4-3-3 a lot earlier than they did and Scott McTominay should have moved to the base of the midfield back in August. Ralf Rangnick has been slow on the uptake but at least he has put McTominay there.

There is not a compelling case to recall anyone else. The midfield three complements each other well but today is a bigger test.

One change
One change

Tyrone Marshall

This might have been a rare occasion to stick with an unchanged team, but Lindelof's absence after the dreadful events at his home on Wednesday change that.

Maguire is the obvious player to restore to the side in Lindelof's unfortunate absence, but the rest of the defence should remain the same. Dalot, Varane and Telles should all keep their places.

Rangnick has to stick with the 4-3-3 now and after his superb performance on Wednesday, it's McTominay who should play the deep role. Fred and Fernandes are forming a good partnership as No 8s.

Rashford made an impact off the bench at Brentford, but the front three of Elanga, Greenwood and Ronaldo worked well and the former especially should keep his place for a third game in a row.

Rich Fay

With no match for another two weeks, United should name the strongest side possible against West Ham this weekend, it could mean only one change from the side which defeated Brentford in midweek.

Maguire will come in for Lindelof in the heart of the defence while Telles could keep his place on the left given Shaw is a doubt for the match.

United have no reason to make any changes in midfield and should stick with the same set-up which eventually came good on Wednesday night.

Upfront, there is a strong argument to name the same front three as well. Elanga certainly doesn't deserve to be dropped on form, but might find three intense games in a week a bit too much to handle.

Which players would you like to make United's starting XI? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Steven Railston

Take a picture - or a screenshot - because it's rare you'll ever see three of us agree on how United should line up.

The back four picks itself after the latest team news. Maguire has a point to prove on his return to the starting XI and he can't afford to waste this opportunity. The midfield three of Fred, McTominay and Fernandes should remain unchanged here.

Elanga has been brilliant in United's last two games and he should start over Rashford.