West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is hopeful that Andy Carroll can kickstart a prolific run of form in front of goal ahead of Manchester United's visit.

The 25-year-old returned to the Hammers' starting lineup following a three-match ban and scored the opening goal in last Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Stoke City.

"Andy scored last week which was good, but unfortunately it meant nothing, apart from meaning a lot to him," West Ham's official Twitter page quotes Allardyce as saying. "It gets him on the way and we're hoping he can continue that."

The Hammers will welcome United to Upton Park following the Red Devils' victory over Olympiacos, which secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.