Manchester United vs West Brom match report: United’s slip hands Liverpool fresh hope of Champions League qualification

After Jonas Olsson had given a tight and determined West Bromwich Albion side a 63rd minute lead, Robin van Persie had a penalty saved by Boaz Myhill, who then made excellent stops from Van Persie again and Angel Di Maria.

But it would be wrong to say West Brom were besieged. They were on the back foot and very deep for much of the game, but United lacked creativity.

Albion went to Old Trafford to defend, frustrate and counter-attack, in that order. In each aspect the plan worked.

Fans applaud for a minute to give their support to Rio Ferdinand United began with a variety of attacking players on the pitch but Van Gaal’s ploy of using Juan Mata on the right did not yield enough. United were restricted.

Myhill came through the first half with few concerns. Antonio Valencia rattled his torso in added time with a surprisingly fierce cross-shot, but the protection provided by Gareth McAuley and Olsson was impressive.

An hour or so in and it got even better for the visitors. When Darren Fletcher, back at Old Trafford, led a West Brom breakaway, he was upended by Paddy McNair 20 yards from goal.

This, as the Albion fans sang, is Chris Brunt territory. Brunt duly used his trusty left foot to take the free-kick but it was the deflection of Olsson in the wall that took it away from a static David De Gea.

West Brom celebrate Chris Brunt’s goal United’s penalty looked harsh on two counts: the ball hit Saido Berahino’s hand and it was on the edge of the area.

It mattered not as Myhill sprang to his left to make a fine save and McNair missed with a free header from six yards shortly after. Old Trafford sensed there would be no United comeback.

Robin van Persie reacts after his penalty is saved Line-ups:

Manchester United: (4-1-4-1) De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, McNair (Falcao, 84), Blind (Di Maria, 64); Herrera; Mata, Fellaini, Rooney, Young; Van Persie.

West Bromwich Albion: (4-2-3-1) Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Lescott; Fletcher, Yacob; Gardner (Wisdom, 89) Mulumbu (Baird, 76) Brunt; Berahino (Ideye, 80)

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Man of the match: Olsson (West Bromwich)

Match rating: 5/10

Source link

- http://bit.ly/1QamU0F