Manchester United lost their footing on a slippery slope this afternoon after failing to find a way past Boaz Myhill. Despite starting with applause all round for Rio Ferdinand’s wife of late, this did not set the tone for the Red Devils’ afternoon and nor for West Brom’s in a slow going opening.
Not surprisingly, Darren Fletcher was the only man to give it a go but watched his shot both high and wide. This did persuade teammate Joleon Lescott to have a go though but found David de Gea behind the ball he headed goal-wards from a corner for the visitors.
The home side responded through recalled striker Robin van Persie who did what he does (or used to do) best, shooting. He was on target twice in the space of two minutes but still stalemate. The 31-year-old looked unexpectedly keen considering he has spent several months on a physiotherapy plinth. The Dutchman soon found he too could combine with the revitalised Ashley Young. Louis van Gaal’s men were getting closer but were well aware these missed chances were to be rued when the half time whistle sounded, breaking the momentum. The Baggies’ defending matched if not exceeded their rivals’ attacking efforts.
A rejig in the United line-up saw Marouane Fellaini positioned further upfield and Wayne Rooney just off of the midfielder in an attempt to open today’s account. The height of the former perhaps the gaffer believed would unlock Tony Pulis’ side as the support alike were impatient with 77.5% of possession and nothing to show for it.
A goal looked to be on the cards for the Manchester outfit but Chris Brunt (or an unintentional Jonas Olsson) was clinical when gifted a set piece. The deflection from West Brom’s number three left the home shot-stopper floundering. Daley Blind made way for Angel Di Maria as van Gaal increased the firepower to at least see his side take something from this affair.
Minutes after the man in black waved away shouts for handball against Lescott when Juan Mata’s cross came in, he pointed to the spot when sure that Saido Berahino had committed the same crime with Valencia coming knocking this time. The chosen frontman returning from injury stepped up from 12 yards to prove all wrong in a dream homecoming but still found Myhill a stone wall. The ‘keeper anticipated left and was able to ensure the spot kick stayed on the right side of the line for his team.
He denied van Persie once more from another less inviting set piece. Following the free-kick, Paddy McNair agonisingly missed the delightful opportunity of a free header, only six yards from goal. Half of the distance that or number 20 had to put it in from, I know. He was to hang his head in shame as Rafamel Falcao – a man with little luck also recently – entered the field of play in the right-backs place.
Although it may take a while for the Reds’ faithful to appreciate his display today, van Persie picked himself up and ran the show once more, forcing Myhill to take matters into his own hands from 20 yards. The substitute Argentinian winger had the last say, only reinforcing the keeper’s resoluteness.
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