The injury to Crysencio Summerville has handed the perfect opportunity to winger Luis Guilherme — a player who only weeks ago looked to have one foot out of West Ham.
The Brazilian youngster was widely expected to leave the London Stadium in the January transfer window, having barely been given a chance to impress during his 18 months at the club.
Guilherme was handed a start in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last week and didn’t exactly set the world alight in tricky conditions. However, the former Palmeiras speedster was one of the few bright sparks during his cameo against Liverpool, and he could now be handed a start against Manchester United.
West Ham’s Kudus Mistake Laid Bare
Nothing highlights the club’s ineptitude in failing to replace Mohammed Kudus quite like the current situation. Thursday’s trip to Old Trafford will likely see a West Ham bench without a single winger, meaning Nuno Espírito Santo will have few attacking options if the starting XI misfires.
A rapid outlet is crucial to Nuno’s counter-attacking game plan, which will almost certainly see the Hammers sit deep and absorb pressure against Manchester United. And this is where Guilherme could finally ignite his West Ham career.
Three appearances in a row would be massive for the £20m youngster, who will no doubt relish the chance to play at Old Trafford — especially with the game being broadcast live back home in Brazil.
Summerville’s absence is a huge blow, no doubt about it. But it also creates a rare and valuable opportunity — one that Luis Guilherme desperately needs to seize.

Guilherme is full of promise in attack. However when defending he still tends to be rather passive.
Nuno keeps pushing him from pillar to post.
Don’t agree with Bowen on left maybe central.
Guilherme’s position is right mid attack.
He needs to be given a permanent position if he’s ever going to succeed.
Which does seem unlikely.
Loan looks to be best option without buying clause.
Why do claret & Hugh keep pushing for Guilherme. Of the youngsters available he is nowhere near the best option. He has pace but no control, vision or an eye for goal. Earthy and Kante are far better prospects
Earthy, Kante, Marshall, Guilherme should at least made available on the night (maybe Orford).
Why play (or on bench) Fullkrug/Rodriguez/Irving when it appears there is no future for them at whu.
With Summerville and Pac-man missing need some pace and punch.
Players growing game by game should be Nuno’s philosophy not just use them as cameo roles.
Striker and c/bk are priority. No need for Elliott there’s enough academy players waitingto be called on.
Why don’t we move Bowen to the left wing and play Guilherme on the right ? Guilherme is more natural on the right wing and looks in effective on the left, Bowen can genuinely play both positions so in theory should make us slightly stronger, he is also more capable of supporting his defender and Diouf is great offensively not so strong defensively which may help us that way also.