West Ham manager David Moyes did not name Alphonse Areola in the starting lineup for the Europa League group stage match against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Frenchman was expected to be in the team for the game in Croatia, but current number one Lukasz Fabianski was selected instead.
It has led some fans on Twitter to ask when Moyes will start Areola, with many hoping it means that he will be playing against Manchester United on Sunday:
Whaaaaat?
— Shannon Baker • shanylou (@shanyloublog) September 16, 2021
Maybe Areola will be starting in the prem from now on.
— Wind (@Yowindso) September 16, 2021
Maybe means he starts on the weekend?
— Lucas ⚒ (@bylucaswhu) September 16, 2021
FYI…. Areola isn’t young. Areola should start as he’s better than fab.
— Carl ⚒ (@CDraper180) September 16, 2021
Has to start for United then
— eamon (@whueamon) September 16, 2021
Interesting
— Louie (@louiefootbalI) September 16, 2021
Wtaf
— cotdabossv2(#GSBOUT) (@UnitedConnor) September 16, 2021
There were a few surprising selection choices by Moyes for the Dinamo game, with the decision on Areola probably the most perplexing of the lot.
The 28-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut for the Hammers, and tonight’s game seemed the perfect opportunity to get the keeper some game time. However, with Fabianski’s inclusion, it would suggest that either Areola isn’t rated by Moyes (which is unlikely), or there is something else going on. We may find out more at the weekend.