Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
These two sides may look familiar to each other and it’s with good reason as it was only 72 hours previous to when they last faced off. Once again Jose Mourinho grabbed the headlines as he was reacquainted with the stands after failing to keep his remonstrations in order.
Paul Pogba went down in the box but referee John Moss felt that there was no contact between the £89m midfielder and Mark Noble and subsequently booked Pogba for diving. That was the rag to the red bull as just like United’s draw with Burnley last month, Mourinho felt it was a penalty and this time a water bottle got the full brunt of The Special One’s anger and that was to be the end of his touchline stint on Sunday.
Mourinho now faces a touchline ban of up to three games but he will be allowed to roam the technical area this evening as West Ham once again visit Old Trafford and this time they will look to go one better than their efforts on Sunday which saw them come away with a creditable and much needed draw.
That point gives them the slightest bit of breathing space between themselves and the drop zone but Tonight will bring a welcome distraction from league matters for Slaven Bilic’s men. Diafra Sahko was the hero on Sunday but once again The Hammers will have to do without him as he returns to the treatment table.
The fact that he has only just returned from injury will no doubt be reason for frustrating not only for himself but for everyone connected to the club. His absence once again means that West Ham will be somewhat light up front this evening.
After disposing of Chelsea in the previous round, Slaven Billc will be hoping that he can mastermind another cup scalp at Old Trafford. Many big clubs are often accused of not taking this tournament seriously enough but injuries aside you would expect a full strength lineup to face Manchester United.
In fairness it will probably be the same for the home side. More out of necessity than choice as with their stuttering league form they can’t afford another slip up while cup progression will just about quell the complaints from the legions of Man United fans.
With the league title all but out of reach and even the top four looking a distant proposition Jose Mourinho knows he needs to deliver something after all the fanfare and expenditure which came with arrival. The EFL Cup might not be what he or the club’s hierarchy had in mind but they are going to need some return on their investment in The Special One and a win tonight would see them just two matches from Wembley.
Can they get that win. With home advantage they will certainly go into the game as favourites but cup football has a habit of throwing the formbook out of the window. Unfortunately for West Ham I think the absence of Sahko will be a big blow and that will play into The Red Devils hands. I reckon this will be a home win.
Editor’s Note: Jose Mourinho has been given a one match touchline ban and will be absent for Tonight’s game (that will teach me to send this out too early)
