Regardless of one Red Devils supporter being just 90 minutes away from a haircut for the first time in 18 months, this fixture represents the opportunity for Carrick to steer his side firmly into the Champions League mix.
United looking for a ninth game league unbeaten
Even coming away with a point from the London Stadium would mean a ninth straight game unbeaten across the tenures of Messrs Amorim and Carrick.
The Hammers have been putting spokes in United's aspirations for decades, however, with the final game of 1994/95 being one that immediately springs to mind.
With Nuno Espirito Santo's squad now just three points from safety, a win in this match could at least see them draw level with Nottingham Forest before the Tricky Trees play basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Both teams won their last games by a 2-0 scoreline, the Red Devils at home to Tottenham Hotspur, and the Irons away at Burnley.
West Ham haven't lost to United since 2024
When they last met in December at Old Trafford, Soungoutou Magassa's late goal earned a share of the spoils after Diogo Dalot's opener. And it's also worth pointing out that West Ham haven't lost this fixture since February 2024, with Man Utd scoring just two goals in that time.
In fact, the Red Devils have lost four of their last six Premier League games against the east Londoners, which is more than they had in their previous 28.
So even if West Ham's fortunes are always hiding, their current form may well help them continue their recent dominance over the North West giants.
United may console themselves in the knowledge that only once in history have West Ham avoided defeat in both league meetings against them in consecutive campaigns, and this was almost a century ago in 1932/33 and 1933/34.
Carrick's side, for whom Bryan Mbeumo has really hit his stride with nine goals in the league, haven't lost a Premier League away game since December, and they'll be playing a side who, whilst seemingly turning a corner recently, have still lost eight league games at home this season.
Fernandes, Mbeumo and Cunha on fire
With many United players now playing with the confidence that had been missing for large parts of Amorim's tenure, the hosts will also have to keep a close eye on Red Devils talisman, Bruno Fernandes, who has been involved in 10 goals in his last eight away league games (two goals and eight assists).
Those eight away assists put him level with Ryan Giggs (in 2001/02), so the Portuguese needs to set up just one more goal in away games this season to hold the outright record for the club in this regard.
Matheus Cunha also has four goal involvements in his previous five away league appearances (three goals, one assist), so the visitors now have a genuine attacking threat from all areas of the pitch.
Cunha has never scored against West Ham in five previous games, mind, and the Red Devils also haven't won three straight games in London (having recently defeated Arsenal and Crystal Palace in the capital) since 2019.
Bowen the Hammers' only talisman?
In Jarrod Bowen, the Hammers have a player who has scored more goals against United (three) than any other to wear the claret and blue in the Premier League era.
With Crysencio Summerville - five goals in his last five games - and Taty Castellanos also finding form at the right time, the hosts could also point to their own attacking capabilities as food for thought for their midweek opponents.
However, only four wins from their last 20 league matches at the London Stadium (D4 L12), with three of those being against newly-promoted sides, isn't the kindest of records to be taking into a match of such importance for the Hammers.
Another particular anomaly that can be attached to this fixture is that the hosts have only lost three of their last 15 home games in the league that were played on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (W5 D7), whilst the visitors have won only one of their last nine EPL midweek away games (D3 L5). Take from that what you will.
Every point is vital
In terms of injuries and suspensions, the Hammers are only without Lukasz Fabianski and Jean-Clair Todibo, the latter as a result of the red card he received in the defeat against Chelsea.
Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt remain on the treatment table for the visitors.
With only a dozen Premier League games to play after this one, every point from here on in is vital for both sides.
Whether Carrick cements his place in the United dugout further, or Nuno continues to win over an east London faithful that were calling for his sacking just a few weeks ago, will only be known at full-time of what's expected to be a pulsating clash between two teams that love to play football the 'right way'.
