Nathan Holland has extra incentive to help West Ham United U23s claim a victory over Manchester United on Sunday at London Stadium.
The Manchester-born winger, playing his first full season for the club since his arrival in January, is expected to line up for Terry Westley’s side in this weekend’s contest, for which Season Ticket Holders can pick up free tickets.
Holland grew up as a City fan and the winger is using that support from his youth as extra motivation to get one over the Red Devils.
“I can't wait to play this weekend. We know Manchester United will be a strong side and the players they have are quality,” he said.
“We'll want to get a result against them in our stadium - me especially because I followed Manchester City as a boy!”
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The Hammers currently lie in sixth place in their debut season in the Premier League 2 Division 1 and victory against Man United could see West Ham move into the top three.
Holland is very pleased with how quickly they have settled in the top division since moving up. The U23s claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Sunderland in their last contest and the wide-man is confident he and the team will only continue to improve.
He continued: “Earning promotion was a great achievement and none of us feel we're out of our depth playing in division 1.
“It's where we know we belong and hopefully the results and performances will continue to prove that.”
Sunday’s match will see the West Ham U23s play their first game of the season at the London Stadium and the winger believes the quality of the pitch will help the team.
“All the lads, including the staff, are excited”, he said.
“We love playing on such a good surface as it enhances our philosophy and style as a passing team.
“We had an amazing crowd there last time so hopefully we get the same again and show them what we can do.”
The 19-year-old has fond memories of playing in Stratford. Last season he made history when he scored the first ever U23 goal in the 2-0 Premier League 2 Division 2 win over Fulham.
He was also handed a senior debut in the Hammers 3-0 Carabao Cup third-round win over Bolton Wanderers at London Stadium last month.
“Scoring that goal against Fulham was a great moment for me” he beamed.
“I was on a run of goals and that goal made it three in three, it was an honour to score the first 23's goal in the stadium!”
