Areola insists West Ham can be happy with season so far

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola says they can be happy with their season ahead of the Christmas period.

The Hammers host Manchester United in today's early kickoff.

"We have started the season very well," Areola told the club's website. "We've done really well in Europe and in the Premier League as well. We've got 27 points so far and I think, this season, we've done really well after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League final last season.

"You have to compete every single day, both on the pitch and on the training ground. I've always said that, as a player, you can only give the best you can. The most important thing is always the team and the results we can get.

"You saw it last season when we won the European trophy, and just how happy the how squad was. Everyone was happy to be involved, in that regard, and it shows just how important the team spirit is."

On facing United, Areola also said: "I've seen exactly what the Club told me when I joined, every single day I come in, for the last three years. West Ham has really grown up and the reputation of the Club in Europe is huge. It's great to be part of and it's wonderful to be part of the history of the Club.

"I don't like to find excuses after defeats. Sometimes, you just have bad days as competitors. We moved forward really well from the one against Fulham with the wins over Freiburg and Wolverhampton Wanderers. We need to do the same against Manchester United."