A trip to the London Stadium awaits Manchester United this weekend and a difficult opponent in West Ham. Results have been mixed for United since The Hammers arrived at their new home.

Two wins, two losses and a dreadful 0-0 draw. It’s only recently that it’s become a happy hunting ground for West Ham too. It’s not long ago that there were issues in the stands, as home supporters vented their anger at the owners. The team, the management and the new stadium didn’t sit well with them.

West Ham’s last ever game at their previous ground Upton Park was in 2016. Also known as the Boleyn Ground, the tight stadium was memorable for its atmosphere. At times dark and moody, tense and noisy. The home support loved to beat their glamourous rivals from the North West. And in the last game at their ground, they came from 2-1 down to beat United 3-2. The result meant that United finished 5th on goal difference. It would cost Louis Van Gaal his job.

At Upton Park there was often animosity from the West Ham fans to anyone representing Manchester United. David Beckham was their main target in 1998 after his World Cup red card for England. But their team reacted well to the fans. West Ham players raised their game against United, this was their opportunity. And those same players inflicted some serious pain on the visitors.

Over the years there have been many games between the two sides that stand out. Some had huge repercussions. Others gave the away support immense pleasure. Titles won there. Titles lost there. Comebacks. Great goals too.

Let’s reminisce…


6th May 1967


West Ham 1 United 6

United knew that a win at Upton Park would bring the league title. Facing them was a team packed of famous names. Captain Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters played major roles in England’s World Cup success the year before. Names meant nothing to Matt Busby’s side. They destroyed the home team 6-1. The list of United’s scorers says it all. The goals came from Bobby Charlton, George Best, Paddy Crerand, Bill Foulkes and a double from Denis Law. One year before beating Benfica at Wembley, United were champions of England for the second time in three years.


21st January 1989


West Ham 1 United 3

After again beating West Ham away in 1967/68, United were not able to win again at Upton Park until early 1989. United were gaining momentum with a young side, labelled “Fergie’s Fledglings”. It wouldn’t last but expectation was growing amongst the supporters. Beating bogey side West Ham helped. Goals from Gordon Strachan, Lee Martin and Brian McClair took United to sixth place. Two weeks later after winning away to Sheffield Wednesday, they would be third. Then the bubble burst. Finishing tenth was a huge disappointment. West Ham midfielder Paul Ince would join Alex Ferguson’s revolution later on in the year.

22nd April 1992


West Ham 1 United 0

In 1967 United won the title at Upton Park. In 1992, West Ham ripped it out of United’s grasp. After losing 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest two days before, United had slipped to second behind Leeds. But with a game in hand, United were not out of it yet. West Ham were returning to the league below after one season back in the top flight. They would not be part of the newly formed Premier League. But they fought for everything, as United searched for three points. In goal Ludek Miklosko produced excellent saves from Kanchelskis and Hughes to keep it at 0-0. He would return to haunt United three years later.

When Gary Pallister cleared the ball to the edge of the box, Kenny Brown returned it past Schmeichel for the only goal of the game. Giggs tested Miklosko again but The Hammers held on. From April 16th to April 26th United played five games. They won only one and lost the last three. Leeds were champions and the wait for the title carried on.


14th May 1995


West Ham 1 United 1

When United arrived at Upton Park for the last day of the season, the task was clear. Only a win would give United the chance of the title. Blackburn would also have to drop points away to Liverpool. If Blackburn won, the United result would be irrelevant. The year before, Paul Ince had rescued a draw for United in a pulsating 2-2 draw. His goal did not go down well with the Upton Park faithful. In May 1995 West Ham were safe in mid-table, but winning at Upton Park would not be easy.

Things didn’t start well for United. Blackburn scored through Alan Shearer at Anfield to go 1-0 up. Then a few minutes later, ex-Manchester City player Michael Hughes gave West Ham the lead. The already difficult task was getting harder and harder.

The second half started in a more positive way for the visitors, as Brian McClair equalised. And then news broke of a goal from John Barnes and Liverpool were level. United needed one goal to win the league. They battered West Ham’s goal. The attacks were relentless. But as in 1992, Miklosko stopped everything. The final whistle went and United couldn’t find the goal they needed. Liverpool did and beat Blackburn 2-1. The result changed nothing. United would have to settle for second. For many United supporters, this day brings back a lot of painful memories.

April 2nd 2011


West Ham 2 United 4

By the time our next featured game had arrived, United had exorcised some of the demons of the past. United were winning more often than not at Upton Park. Notable results being a 4-2 win in 1999, a 5-3 classic in 2002 and a 4-0 romp in 2009. In April 2011, United were fighting to get the title back from Chelsea. Arsenal were also breathing down their necks in second place.

West Ham flew out of the blocks in the midday sun. Carlton Cole looked to flick the ball over Patrice Evra, who handled in the box. Mark Noble scored the penalty to give the home side the advantage after only eleven minutes. Carlton Cole was tormenting United and 14 minutes later he was fouled by Vidic. West Ham had another penalty. Noble smashed it high into the net and United were in a mess.

At half-time Ferguson replaced Evra with Javier Hernandez as United decided to go for it. Ryan Giggs moved to left-back and it paid off. Rooney curled in a free-kick from 25 yards before equalising in the 73rd minute with a fine shot into the corner.

United were not settling for a draw and six minutes later Upson handled Fabio’s cross in the area. Up stepped Rooney from the spot to complete a fourteen minute hat-trick. The comeback was then confirmed in the 86th minute when Hernandez made it 4-2. The turnaround was remarkable and it cemented United’s place at the top. A month later, they would lift the title.


Present day

United know that they are going to be in for a tough game against West Ham. The atmosphere of Upton Park may be gone but the home support still love to get three points against Manchester United. Add ex-manager David Moyes to the equation and this is a challenge that will show what the 2021 team is made of.