Noble insists Hammers shouldn't fear United

8:59am Wednesday 30th April 2008

MARK Noble believes West Ham have nothing to fear against title-chasing Manchester United on Saturday and insist it is a game his team mates should relish.

The 20-year-old was part of the Hammers team which saved themselves from relegation on the final of last season with a 1-0 win at the Theatre of Dreams.

It was the second of Hammers' consecutive three-game winning run over the Premier League holders, and Noble believes that should be an inspiration to the east Londoners.

"We've beat them at home this season with two late goals and we beat them home and away last season, although we got absolutely peppered on that day at Old Trafford - they did everything but score," said Noble.

"We did it at Arsenal as well - we held them off for a 1-0 win - I don't know how we done it, but we did and it's a credit to us."

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are desperate for three points to keep ahead of Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title - allbeit on goal difference - while the Hammers have nothing more to play for than holding onto tenth spot.

As such, many are tipping the champions-elect for an easy victory. But Noble insists the Irons have nothing to lose.

"You expect both Man United and Chelsea to win their last two games," he said. "We go into the game as massive underdogs because Man U have to win, but we're going to go there play our best, try hard and enjoy the day.

"We've got nothing to lose. They have to win, so we can out and enjoy ourselves. What happens happens."

The clash sparks memories of the final game of last season, when a 1-0 win for the Hammers at The Theatre of Dreams saw them avoid relegation. United had already wrapped up the title.

However, this time around presents a completely different situation. And that, Noble feels, could play in the Irons favour.

"It's going to be a tough game for Man United because they've got to get the points on the board. They are under more pressure," he said.

"They are going to need to come out and I'm sure they are going to be so up for it.

"When we played them last year they'd already won the title so that obviously done us a favour. This time round we're safe and they need to win to win the title so I think it will be a good game."

West Ham have a habit of denting Manchester United's title hopes - in both 1992 and 1995 the east Londoners denied United the three points they needed to be crowned champions.

And Noble is hoping for a bit more the same at the weekend.

"United and Chelsea have both just got to concentrate on winning their remaining games and obviously we've got to play one of them so we can affect it in someway," said Noble.

"It's been one of the best endings to a season we've had so far - it's going to go down to the wire and that's a credit to the players and teams in this league."

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