Manchester United finally win a game at Old Trafford this season in the Premier League after a 1-0 victory over West Brom. The victory was far from convincing as the Red Devils missed several golden chances to take the game away from the opposition. Once again, Bruno Fernandes came to United’s rescue as he scored from the spot, after his first penalty was saved, but was chalked off.
With a strong lineup field by Ole against Albion, it was evident from the opening minutes that Manchester United will dominate the possession with West Brom sitting deep. Bruno Fernandes and Matic were dictating play with United creating a golden opportunity for Martial. The Frenchman missed from a few yards out, showing that he lacks a striker’s instincts and the Red Devils need a goalscoring centre-forward.
The rest of the first half was very monotonous but United failed to create any real chance with Mata and Fernandes trying hard. The opposition sat back and defended with five men in their box, neutralizing the pace of Manchester United’s attack. Maguire, Lindelof, Matic and Fred spend most of the time with the ball, which is evidence for United’s lack of creativity.
West Brom also got a couple of chances through set-pieces and counter-attacks but failed to score. David De Gea was again at the top of his game, keeping the West Brom shots out, cementing his place in the world’s best. The second half started with much more impetus from the United side, as they looked to take the game to West Brom.
The Red Devils were lucky to have a West Brom penalty chalked off as Bruno Fernandes tackled a West Brom man clumsily. A few moments later United themselves got a penalty as Fernandes scored, as missing for the first time. But the West Brom keeper was off his line too quickly giving Fernandes one more chance, which he took with utmost care.
The Red Devils could have killed off the game as Rashford missed, again from a few yards. West Brom hit the bar soon after but from then on it was all Manchester United with the possession. The Red Devils need to kill off games better but a win at home is a good result for the starters.
