United v West Ham preview

making an impressive start to life in the top flight this campaign. The former Bolton Wanderers player and manager was this week described as “underrated” by Sir Alex, who has long been a great friend and ally to the larger than life Hammers boss.

Last meeting: Wayne Rooney's hat-trick inspired United to fight back from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2 at Upton Park, where a Patrice Evra handball and Nemanja Vidic foul allowed Mark Noble to twice score from the spot for the relegation-battling Hammers. The match is perhaps remembered most for Rooney’s goal celebration, which resulted in a two-match ban for swearing.

Did you know? Tom Cleverley was just six-years-old and Danny Welbeck seven when Rio Ferdinand made his professional debut for West Ham as a 70th minute substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in 1996. On the same day, United sealed a third Premier League title with a 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.

Star man: Andy Carroll has been the subject of intense media scrutiny since joining Liverpool for an estimated £35million in January 2011. Since then, the former Newcastle man has failed to impress at Anfield, prompting a loan move to West Ham this season. Now, under the guidance of Allardyce, the powerful striker appears to be flourishing and netted his first Hammers goal on Sunday.

Quote/unquote: “Big Sam went to Upton Park a year and a bit ago and the cynics said he’s not a West Ham manager as he doesn’t play