1. Defensive frailties still evident
WITH PHIL JONES coming in for youngster Paddy McNair, Manchester United made just one change to their back four for the trip to The Hawthorns. The visotors were under pressure from early on and the game was only eight minutes old when West Brom went ahead.
The touch from Graham Dorran brought on-loan Liverpool product Andre Wisdom into play and caught Angel Di Maria high up the field and Luke Shaw out of position before Sessegnon produced a super finish. United weren’t convincing at the back with neither Jones nor central defensive partner Marcos Rojo commanding the role while Rafael was at fault for West Brom’s second.
2. Berahino and Sessegnon cause problems
England U21 international Saido Berahino burst onto the scene last season but has developed again this term and scored his seventh goal of the current campaign tonight.
Alongside fellow goalscorer Stephane Sessegnon, Berahino caused all sorts of problems of the opposing backline and took his goal like a man oozing with confidence. There has been plenty of talk about interest from other clubs and Baggies boss Alan Irvine insists that the Burundian-born striker can be a top player if he fulfils his potential.
3. Fellaini makes an impact
After a raft of big money signings last summer, it appeared that Marouane Fellaini’s career at Manchester United would be short-lived. Roundly-criticised and often looking off the pace in an unfamiliar position on his debut season, questions were raised about his suitability to United’s style of play.
Tonight, Fellaini was introduced for Ander Herrera at half-time and made an almost instant impact with a brilliant goal. He injected some much-needed urgency and physicality into the team and he may yet have a future under Van Gaal.
4. Di Maria knock a worry
Since joining from Real Madrid, Angel Di Maria has always looked the most likely player to create something. And while Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj were under-par at the Hawthorns, Di Maria constantly probed and sought out team-mates with a series of dangerous crosses.
The Argentine got his fourth assist of the season before going off for Ashley Young with an apparent knock and with games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal to come in the coming weeks, Van Gaal will be praying he can stay fit.
5. Still no away win
Van Gaal said after the final whistle that he believed it was the team’s best away performance of the season.
“It’s not good – when we see the games – normally we’re the better team. When you have 12 points from eight games – it’s eight points too few.”
When you consider they they have drawn with Sunderland and Burnley and lost to Leicester and MK Dons on the road already, you can understand where he is coming from.
However, just three months in United are already ten points adrift of leaders Chelsea in sixth position. And next up is the visit of Jose Mourinho’s men on Sunday.
