Manchester United welcomed West Bromwich Albion to Manchester on Saturday looking to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat to the Baggies at Old Trafford.
The hosts dominated proceedings in the first period, but the two teams entered the interval on level terms.
United took the lead early in the second period through Jesse Lingard, however, before Juan Mata dispatched from the penalty spot late on to secure all the points for Louis van Gaal's side.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome West Bromwich Albion. The hosts will enter the match as the favourites to claim all three points, but the Baggies have actually won on each of their last two trips to this stadium in the league. Let's hope for an entertaining game in Manchester! Kickoff at OT is in just under an hour...
... Man United might have only lost one of their last 13 home Premier League games, but that defeat was against West Brom (1-0) in the corresponding match last season. The Baggies were also 2-1 winners the season before and have lost on just one of their last five trips to this famous stadium in the league. It would be some achievement if they made it three in a row at the home of United.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news here...
TEAMS:
UNITED: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Lingard, Mata, Martial; Rooney
WEST BROM: Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Brunt; Morrison, Fletcher, Yacob; McClean, Rondon, Sessegnon
No real surprises in the United XI this afternoon, with Louis van Gaal keeping faith with the same team that beat CSKA Moscow last time out. That means a start at right-back for Ashley Young, with Matteo Darmian suspended and Antonio Valencia injured. Jesse Lingard keeps his spot in the XI, while Wayne Rooney will once again operate through the middle. Morgan Schneiderlin returns to a bench, meanwhile, that also includes youngster Cameron Northwick-Jackson for the first time.
As for West Brom, there are Old Trafford returns for Jonny Evans and the skipper Darren Fletcher, while Chris Brunt will make his 300th appearance for the Baggies this afternoon. Saido Berahino is only on the bench, however, with Salomon Rondon selected as the lone forward. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is also on the bench, with Boaz Myhill selected in goal.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now little under 45 minutes from kickoff at OT. Man United might have kept four clean sheets in their last five Premier League games, but they have also failed to score in three of the last four. Last time out in the league, they picked up a point at Crystal Palace, which kept Louis van Gaal's side in fourth position in the table on 21 points.
A 3-0 win at Everton on October 17 was followed by a 0-0 draw at home to Man City, which means that Man United will enter this match off the back of successive goalless draws in the league. They took control of their Champions League group during the week, however, when Wayne Rooney scored late on to help the English club record a 1-0 win over Russian outfit CKSA Moscow.
Rooney has also netted twice in the league thus far this season, but the England captain has seven goals and four assists in his last seven league games against West Brom. The forward certainly enjoys playing against the Baggies and another strike today would ease some of the pressure on his shoulders. Despite criticism, Rooney is once again included in the first XI this afternoon.
Van Gaal has come in for his fair share of criticism in recent weeks, but Man United's position in the league is hardly disastrous. They will enter this match fourth in the division, just one point off third and just four points off the leaders Man City. Victory this afternoon would close the gap on both Man City and Arsenal, who face Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur respectively tomorrow afternoon.
Man United also have the joint-best defensive record in the league this season having only conceded eight times in their 11 matches. They have only scored 15 goals, however, and cries of 'attack, attack, attack' have been heard from the supporters in recent weeks. This is now a different Man United, but the fans will not too mind if they stay in touch at the top of the table.
The Red Devils have only failed to score in three successive Premier League games on three occasions before – November 1992, April 2005 and August 2007. Keeping clean sheets is all very well, but they have to start testing teams down the other end. There was certainly improvement against CSKA during the week, however, and they will be looking to take that intensity into this match.
Man United are also entering a run of games where they would expect to pick up a decent amount of points. After this one, they travel to Watford and Leicester in quick succession, before hosting West Ham United and travelling to Bournemouth in their next two. No game in the Premier League is easy, certainly not this season, but there are no Man Citys, Arsenals, Liverpools, Chelseas in that list.
As for West Brom, it has been a mixed start to the season. The Baggies will enter this match in 12th position in the table having collected 14 points from their 11 matches. They have posted four wins, two draws and five defeats – the last of which came at home to Leicester last weekend. Tony Pulis has a strong clean-sheet record at West Brom, but they have surprisingly shipped 14 goals this season.
Worryingly for Pulis, each of his side's last two wins in the league have been 1-0, while they have shipped eight goals during their last three defeats. It is often all or nothing for the Midlands outfit, who are still trying to find consistency in the early part of the campaign. It will be interesting to see what approach the team takes to this game. Will they take it to Man United here? I doubt it to be honest!
While Man United have a decent run of fixtures to come, West Brom are entering a difficult period. They face Arsenal, West Ham, Spurs and Liverpool in their four after this match and a poor run could see them slip towards the bottom of the table entering the Christmas period. Victory here, however, would give them such confidence entering that run of fixtures. Much for Pulis to ponder...
West Brom's away record in the league this season, meanwhile, has been excellent. They have only lost once – at Crystal Palace – and the London side are the only team to have scored against the Baggies on the road. Three wins have arrived - all 1-0 – while they managed a 0-0 draw at Watford.
PREDICTION: Narrow home win for me in Manchester. I am not expecting it to be straight-forward for Man United, far from it in fact, but I just think that Van Gaal's side will ultimately break the West Brom rear-guard. Perhaps one goal in either half. Let's go for 2-0 to the home side at OT.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. As expected, plenty of poppies on show this afternoon. Those that perished will be remembered before kickoff here. There is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as we approach 3pm.
KICKOFF! Not the best afternoon in Manchester weather-wise, but let's hope for an entertaining game of football. The home supporters are expectant as United get the first period of action underway...
... as expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Carrick and Blind seeing plenty of the ball. Blind goes down injured after taking a late challenge from McClean, but does return to his feet moments later. It was a rash tackle from McClean!
Pass, pass, pass from the home side as they continue to probe in the West Brom half, but it will be difficult to break down the visitors, who have left Rondon in the final third to occupy Smalling and Blind. You just get the feeling that patience will be the name of the game for the home side here.
No chances to report inside the opening six minutes, but United have been in control of the possession, which is not much of a surprise. Yacob is protecting his back four early on...
... it does appear that Martial is playing through the middle for the home side, with Rooney in the number 10 role, Lingard left and Mata on the right. Still all United possession, but no chances. This should be the pattern of the game for long spells. West Brom will hope to threaten on the counter!
Schweinsteiger delivers a dangerous ball into the West Brom box, but Evans make first contact and the danger is cleared. As you can imagine, West Brom have nine outfield players behind the ball.
It is the sort of game of game that would change dramatically if United did manage to make the breakthrough. West Brom are not interested in going forward at the moment as they continue to close the space in the final third. It is constant pressure from the hosts, but still no chances.
Half-chance for United as Rooney meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It has been a frustrating opening 13 minutes for United on home soil.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Rooney slides a low pass into Mata, who curls one towards the far corner, but his effort just misses the post. So close to finding the bottom corner!
West Brom have been so strong on the road this season and the Baggies will fancy their chances this afternoon if they can take the lead. It is the home side that are very much in control of matters at the moment, however, as they continue to move the ball in the final third. Still goalless though.
A bit of encouragement for West Brom in the last couple of minutes as McClean beats Rojo before delivering a dangerous cross towards Rondon, but the danger is cleared. Better from the visitors!
In truth, the opening 22 minutes of this game have not been a surprise. The hosts have had all of the possession, but struggled to create chances, while West Brom have been tight at the back and are attempting to play on the counter attack. The plan is working for the visitors as we stand here.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as West Brom continue to deal with the increasing pressure. It is relentless, but that final ball is just lacking here.
There is no question that Man United are very impressive at the back, but they are lacking something in the final third, that is for sure. Depay and Herrera are both on the bench and you just wonder whether Van Gaal will already be considering changes. It is all very samey at the moment.
Patience is the name of the game for Man United once again!
Mata delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post after a sweeping ball from Blind, but Dawson just beats Lingard to the ball and the danger is cleared. The resulting corner is delivered by Rooney, before Schweinsteiger swings an effort over the crossbar. More frustration for the hosts.
Rooney is seemingly through on goal after the ball breaks for the striker, but West Brom get two defenders back to make the block. Mata finds space in a wide area moments later before delivering, but once again a West Brom player is there to clear. Still goalless at Old Trafford here.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and I cannot imagine that Van Gaal will be too pleased with what he has seen. It has been much of the same for his mis-firing attackers!
West Brom have managed to enjoy a period of possession in the last minute or two and it brings a corner when Rondon goes toe-to-toe with Smalling. Better from the Baggies in the last couple.
Neither goalkeeper has had a save to make in the opening 38 minutes, which is an indication of what type of game it has been at Old Trafford. In truth, it has been really, really disappointing.
United are back in control of the possession as we approach the final minute of the first period, but there is nothing for the home supporters to shout about as West Brom remain really comfortable. It is so narrow at the moment, which is allowing the visitors to flood the space outside the box.
CHANCE! Clear opportunity for the home side as Martial slides a super pass into Lingard, who attempts to beat Myhill at his near post, but the Baggies stopper makes a really smart save!
'Attack, attack, attack' is the cry from the home support, which has been the case in previous weeks. The fans will not accept this dreary football for too much longer, that is a fact.
BOOKING! Dawson (West Brom) is booked for a poor challenge on Lingard.
SAVE! Martial finds space inside a crowded box before unleashing a strike towards goal, but Myhill beats the ball away. West Brom are a little ragged for the first time this afternoon!
Two additional minutes at the end of the first period.
Brunt fires a free kick wide of the post and that should be that.
HALF-TIME: Man United 0-0 West Brom
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. It has been another frustrating half for Man United, but they have had three good chances to break the deadlock. Mata curled one wide of the post before Lingard was denied by Evans, but the best opportunity fell to Martial, who could only fire straight at the Baggies stopper after showing super feet. All square here!
STATS! Man United have dominated the possession with 77%, while they have had five attempts, just one of which was on target. As for the visitors, Pulis's side have not yet tested De Gea in the home side's goal. There has also been just the one booking, with Dawson carded for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Man United boss Van Gaal has plenty of attacking options on his bench this afternoon, with the likes of Depay, Herrera and Pereira all capable of making a difference. West Brom, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Berahino, Lambert and McManaman.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the field for the second period. Can the Baggies hold on a point, or maybe better? It is the visitors that get the second half underway here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already have alterations in mind if the score remains level for the next 15, 20 minutes at OId Trafford. You sense that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital.
As expected, the home side have started the second period in control of the possession, but they have not really threatened in the early stages. West Brom might well grow in confidence here.
Jonny Evans, obviously, is having the game of his life at Old Trafford and the Baggies defender is again on hand to cut out a through pass from Rooney, which had threatened to find Martial. I wonder just how long Van Gaal will leave it before making changes. The pattern has not changed.
GOAL! Man United 1-0 West Brom (Lingard)
Deadlock broken! The home side take the lead in the 52nd minute as Lingard collects a loose clearance on the edge of the box before passing his effort into the bottom corner. It was a wonderful curling strike from the youngster, who is seriously coming of age at Old Trafford now!
Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside Old Trafford. West Brom will now need to change their gameplan in this match and that should, in theory, leave more space for the hosts to operate.
West Brom have indeed started to come out in the last couple of minutes, but Rojo manages to deal with a potentially dangerous piece of play from Sessegnon, who has the pace to threaten this United back four. Little over 30 minutes remaining and the hosts lead by that Lingard strike here.
There is a much better tempo about Man United's work at the moment as they pass the ball with more purpose in the final third and West Brom no longer look water-tight in defensive areas.
BOOKING! Rondon (West Brom) is booked for a poor challenge on Smalling.
BOOKING! Rojo (United) is booked for a late challenge on Sessegnon.
MAN UNITED SUB! Phil Jones replaces Young for the hosts.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but the away side are starting to ask more questions through Rondon and Sessegnon. It is still delicately poised in this game.
BOOKING! Brunt (West Brom) is booked for a poor tackle on Mata.
West Brom are much more in the game at the moment as they enjoy possession in the United half, but they are struggling to create any clear chances. Still 1-0 United with 67 minutes played here.
Half-chance for the home side as Carrick finds space outside the box, but his effort was always straight into the arms of Myhill. Little over 20 minutes of this second half remaining at OT.
United continue to work the ball forward and feed passes into Martial, but West Brom have been very good defensively this afternoon. The game is becoming stretched, which is no surprise. Rooney and Schweinsteiger are both seeing plenty of the ball outside the Baggies box here.
WEST BROM SUBS! Berahino and Lambert replace Rondon and Morrison.
Fletcher just directs a header wide of the United goal from a Brunt set piece.
Another half-chance for Lingard as the goal-scorer cuts inside before bending one towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes remaining at OT.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for West Brom to level as Berahino meets a pin-point cross from Dawson, but somehow he heads over the crossbar. It is just a sensational miss from the striker!
MAN UNITED SUB! Borthwick-Jackson comes on for his United debut in place of Rojo.
The home side have two penalty shouts in quick succession following too handballs, but the referee is not interested, before Rooney curls a cross wide of the post. It is all very frantic now!
Martial shows wonderful pace to drive away from McAuley and win a corner for the hosts.
It is almost like a basketball game at the moment as both teams continue to concede possession. Lingard wants a penalty as he goes down inside the Baggies box, but the referee is not interested. Martial continues to cause problems in a wide area, meanwhile, with 82 minutes on the clock.
MAN UNITED SUB! Ander Herrera replaces Rooney.
De Gea gets down to collect a low cross from Brunt before releasing Lingard as this match continues to flow from end-to-end. You just get the feeling there is another chance in this!
WEST BROM SUB! Callum McManaman replaces Brunt.
Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and the home side still lead 1-0 and they indeed have the ball in the West Brom half following good work from Mata. Not long left in this game.
Mata fires one over the crossbar following another United corner.
West Brom are in control of the possession at the moment as they pass and probe outside the United box, but the home team are pretty comfortable as we head for added time here.
PENALTY FOR MAN UNITED!
RED CARD! McAuley (West Brom) is sent off for bringing Martial to the ground inside the box. Chance for the home side to score a second at Old Trafford...
... GOAL! Man United 2-0 West Brom (Mata, pen)
Mata sends his penalty down the middle and United have all the points here.
Sessegnon drives forward for West Brom and wins a free kick as we approach full-time.
FULL-TIME: Man United 2-0 West Brom
So there we have it. The home side score twice in the second period to secure all the points against West Brom. Man United remain fourth in the league, but they are now just one point off the leaders Man City, who play tomorrow. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
