---
title: "Manchester United 0-1 West Bromwich Albion: Four things we learned"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/05/03/manchester-united-0-1-west-bromwich-albion-four-things-we-learned/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Reports"
published: "2015-05-03T10:41:33Z"
modified: "2015-05-12T12:15:13Z"
---

# Manchester United 0-1 West Bromwich Albion: Four things we learned

**United need to change their play-style against mid-table opponents**

If United wants to challenge for the title next season, they need to improve their way of breaking down organised and tight defences. It’s no wonder the Reds look most dangerous when they break with pace via Ashley Young, when opposition is caught unprepared.

United created a couple of chances in the first 45 minutes, usually through West Brom’s little defensive errors, but rarely threaten after long spells of possession. It is apparent that United doesn’t use the pitch the way they should – pockets of space created between the defensive and midfield line are often left unexploited, with players afraid to take a risk.

The constant one-gear-tempo doesn’t help either; two touch mantra (intercept and play square pass) is boring and predictable which makes the job so much easier for the opponent. The Red Devils keep running into a dead alley. The midfield three (or five) is short in terms of top technical ability for purposeful high possession game and the impressions are that players didn’t develop team cohesion.

On a further note, the amount of quality crosses put in the box has been typical of Conference game, not Premier League one; it’s very awkward to see players like Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria struggling with whipping the ball with pace and venom. Lack of runs, dribbles and flowing football characterises United in the last two games and radical changes in philosophy must be made over the summer.

**Louis van Gaal must be to blame when his game-plan regularly fails to work**

Chelsea, Everton and West Brom all gladly conceded possession to United, having 29%, 36% and 20% of the ball respectively. While the former two played at home and that kind of playing style wasn’t expected to such extent, Pulis’ defensive tactics were something Louis van Gaal must have counted on, but for the third consecutive time, the Dutchman got outwitted by his fellow colleagues in the same predictable manner.

Van Gaal’s plan B became virtually the only plan for United to get themselves into goal-scoring positions when he gave full trust and regular starting place position to Fellaini. It was great while it worked, but United’s opponents learned how to neutralise vital segment of build-up. Fellaini isn’t to blame.

In the second half, he was put as lone target-man striker, who should thrive on crosses, receiving the pass and holding the ball up for his team-mates, but he was given neither of those. It’s also sad to see the impact of van Gaal’s substitutions.

While players and their roles change, rigid system stays the same and that stubbornness resulted in United not scoring for the third consecutive game. Moyes’ wish slowly fulfilled: Manchester United became very much like City, in terms of failing to utilise enormous attacking talent and playing like bunch of individuals in non-changing approach.

**Van Persie has a future at United, Falcao doesn’t**

Despite missing a 74th minute penalty, Robin van Persie was by far Manchester United’s best player. He displayed striker’s positive greed and sharpness in the first half, finding himself in few good situations that he created for himself. He swapped positions with Fellaini in the second and didn’t disappoint; he was closest to scoring with a strong left-footed volley from his midfield role.

After recovering from ankle injury and scoring twice in U21 game earlier this week, Van Persie will take this game as personal achievement, his first league start in more than two months. United fans will hope he can get into a goal-scoring form as quickly as possible, having already given up hope on expensive Colombian Radamel Falcao, who has fallen down a place in striker’s hierarchy.

**Top four is not secured after all**

Majority of the fans counted on easy three points and another step away from their arch-rivals Liverpool, who won earlier. However, United failed miserably and gap is now only four points, with three games left to play.

The Red Devils will look to secure that minimum target from the beginning of the season next weekend, when they play away at Selhurst Park, while Liverpool travel to home of the champions-to-be. Man United won’t have an easy job, despite Palace’s bad home run of late but have right to hope Mourinho’s men will help them in their mission.

With battle for second and third place that lead directly into Champions League group stages next season now looking unrealistic, Van Gaal and his players will have to take fourth place after picking up zero points from possible nine.