Chairman David Sullivan’s decision this summer to hire a head coach of as much renown as Lopetegui to replace Moyes was born of the club’s ambition to kick on after three successive seasons in Europe spent pushing England’s top clubs in the league but with a style of play sometimes deemed risk-averse and, at its most criticised, backward.

Julen Lopetegui has dismissed the idea that Manchester United don’t have a style of play under Erik ten Hag, saying that is clear to him what they are doing. The Hammers host the Red Devils on Sunday and both managers are already under pressure after poor starts to the season.

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui says Mohammed Kudus must learn after last week's meltdown against Tottenham. His red card has brought a three-match ban, but that could be extended after the FA laid a charge of violent conduct against the midfielder.