After failing to maintain our winning run at Villa last week, West Ham return to London and welcome Manchester United to the London Stadium early Sunday game. Ahead of the game I caught up with my old spar, TV documentary maker and Cockney Red John Farren, currently residing in Donegal to discuss the match: a fixture that has over the years given us some great games and memories.
Hi John, when we spoke just under a year ago, you were hoping that West Ham would be victorious, which you hoped would precipitate the sacking of the ex ‘Special One’. Given that’s what happened, you must have been quite pleased with the outcome?
Beyond ecstatic. Toxic bloke, shit football. We are watchable again.
Is former fan favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the man to turn around your fortunes?
I think he’s gotta get 2 full seasons. But the problems go much deeper than the team. The Glazers, the debt, oh dear.
The nature of professional football these days is that there is an extremely high turnover of players, and all clubs are guilty of taking on the occasional bit of dross. Of the players who’ve been and gone over the past few seasons, who have you been must pleased to see move on?
Lukaku. Sanchez. Obvs.
And conversely are there any players that you think the manager didn’t get the best out of?
Herrera was a loss.
Both Manchester and West Ham Uniteds are known for their development squads, what do you know about the players who are just starting to make themselves known at Old Trafford?
I’m delighted we didn’t go mad in the market. I’m chuffed to see academy kids getting game time. I’m sick of everyone thinking you can buy instant success. That said we do need midfield cover. Greenwood looked good in preseason games and is supposedly the best finisher since Solskjaer himself. He’s staying in my fantasy team, where he has zero points.
How do Manchester United fans compare former greats Roy Keane and Bryan Robson as players, and as people?
I love Keano. Loved those ghosted autobiogs. Wouldn’t want to spend 5 mins inside his head tho. Made a doco once about former players choosing the hardest hard men of football. The midfield was McKay, Souness, Keane by almost universal acclaim. Many United fans prefer Robson.
Talking off old players, West Ham fans will remember Paul Ince and Rio Ferdinand in different ways, but how do Man United fans rate these to former West Ham players.
Rio was a borderline great, once he lost his concentration lapses.
Incey? To quote Keano “Incey. Likes to be called the Guvnor. I call him Incey”. Should have stayed at the Boleyn. But then, so should your club.
Are there any West Ham players that could improve your team?
Lanzini. Rice. Would both start every week. I love Antonio but he’d be a squad man.
I am big fan of Marcus Rashford, but can he push on to the next level, and start scoring 25 goals per season?
I think so.
Are you going to be able to force your way back into the top four this season, or do you think this is still for the future? Where do you think you will finish the season?
Fourth. Or fifth. Or sixth. But I agree with Gary Neville, it’s about rebuilding, a long term project and a pattern of play, not buying ageing stars and coming Fourth.
What are your predictions for the top four positions in order?
City, Liverpool, Spurs and one of us, the Arse or Chelsea
Early days of course, but who is going to be relegated at the end of the season?
Newcastle.
Where can the Mighty Claret and Blue end the season?
Burnley should do ok. Despite the Dildo brothers, gotta love Pellegrini. Good to see you playing footy. Eighth? Top ten.
How will you line up on Sunday?
4-3-3. Hopefully Greenwood gets some game time. He scored the winner on Thursday!
And finally what is your prediction for the score?
2-1 United. Rashford 2 goals.
Well many thanks to John for his thoughts and time. For my part, I hope, and think that we can return to winning ways. 2 – 1 to West Ham. COYI