Manuel Lanzini fires warning ahead of Leeds United's Premier League clash with West Ham United

Manuel Lanzini claims West Ham United have figured out a "clever" way to get the better of Leeds United again when the teams meet for the second time in two weeks on Sunday.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Argentinian put West Ham on track to knock Leeds out of the FA Cup when he controversially opened the scoring during the Whites' 2-0 third-round defeat at the London Stadium on Sunday.

His 34th-minute opener was subject to a lengthy VAR review before video assistant referee Peter Bankes, deciding that Jarrod Bowen had not been offside in the build-up, ratified Lanzini's goal.

Read More
Spotlight on Sam Greenwood's FA Cup performance as Leeds United boss Marcelo Bie...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds found no reply and, chasing the equaliser in the dying stages, were left vulnerable to a rapid counter-attack by West Ham, with Michail Antonio squaring the ball for Bowen to double the lead and seal West Ham's passage to the fourth round.

The result confined the Whites' FA Cup progress to the third round for the fifth consecutive year and extended head coach Marcelo Bielsa's winless record in England's oldest football competition.

The West Yorkshire side will face West Ham again this weekend, this time looking to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone as Leeds play their 20th game of the Premier League season.

The Whites are currently eight points clear of the drop, though 18th-place Burnley have two games in hand over Bielsa's side.

West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini. Pic: Julian Finney.West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini. Pic: Julian Finney.
West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini. Pic: Julian Finney.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Irons, meanwhile, are competing for qualification to next season's European tournaments at the other end of the table. With 34 points, David Moyes' side are fifth in the rankings and seek their third consecutive Premier League win against Leeds this weekend.

After scoring in the Hammers' FA Cup victory on Sunday, Lanzini explained how his side prepared to face Leeds' intense playing style.

"We know Leeds follow us each one [with a man-marking system], which is crazy," Lanzini said.

"The intensity means you move more, so we tried to play together.

Manuel Lanzini puts West Ham United ahead during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at the London Stadium. Pic: Mike Hewitt.Manuel Lanzini puts West Ham United ahead during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at the London Stadium. Pic: Mike Hewitt.
Manuel Lanzini puts West Ham United ahead during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat at the London Stadium. Pic: Mike Hewitt.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We practiced like this in training and I think we did a very clever game.

"It’s not easy because they play with great intensity and they have good players, but I think it was a clever game from us.

“We’ll try to play at the same level and keep going like this and get the same result.”

The 28-year-old's game-changing contribution in the FA Cup took his 2022 goal tally to three after Lanzini bagged a brace against Crystal Palace on New Years' Day.

Manuel Lanzini holds off Robin Koch during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to West Ham United. Pic: Alex Pantling.Manuel Lanzini holds off Robin Koch during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to West Ham United. Pic: Alex Pantling.
Manuel Lanzini holds off Robin Koch during Leeds United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to West Ham United. Pic: Alex Pantling.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now in his seventh season at West Ham, Lanzini is determined to keep up his positive influence on the East London's side's successes.

“I started the year very good, but it is more important for me to help the team and score goals and win, as it’s important for our confidence, so we need to keep it like this," Lanzini said.

“I’m feeling good personally in my body, not just in football but also in my life, I’m feeling very good.

"I’ve not had an injury for a long time, so that gives me confidence and I’m feeling good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I hope I score more goals. I try to do my best for the team to help us win games.

“We need to play like this, keep going like this and work hard, because we have a very good team and if we stay like this, we’re going to win more games.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. You'll enjoy unlimited access to the latest on Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos. With our sports digital subscription, you'll also see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get exclusive content. Click here to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.