Manchester United lost more ground in their slugfest to reach top four as West Bromwich Albion held them to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. The Premier League clash turned out to be a frustrating evening for Jose Mourinho and his men as the Baggies defended resolutely throughout the course of the game. Wayne Rooney returned from injury to appear from the bench but could not influence a late victory for the Reds Devils.
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On that note, let's take a look at the five talking points from a labouring outing for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion:
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sorely missed
Despite all the injuries suffered by Manchester United in recent weeks, it was the suspension of Zlatan Ibrahimovic that could be said to have cost them all three points against West Bromwich Albion. The Swede was serving the last of his three-game suspension and the Old Trafford faithful will surely hope that he is the one to turn their fortunes around upon his return.
United created a host of chances but clearly lacked a focal point going into the final third. Marcus Rashford drifted wide while the likes of Jesse Lingard and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could not utilise some of the brilliant crosses that were drilled in. If Ibrahimovic had been in the team, he would have caused more problems for West Brom's back line which was not the case for the majority of the match.
#2 A trademark Pulis-esque performance by the Baggies
Tony Pulis' sides have always been associated with some resolute defending at the back. And a sound defence has again laid the foundation for his success at The Hawthorns. West Bromwich Albion are flying high under the hard English taskmaster this season and are on course for their record points tally in the first division which stands currently at 49 points.
After a convincing 3-1 win over Arsenal in their last game, the Baggies again provided a glimpse of their strong mentality against an in-form Manchester United side. The defenders were drilled to the absolute tee as every tackle, every clearance was inch perfect. Combine that with the brilliance of Ben Foster in goal and you have the perfect recipe for a precious away point at Old Trafford.
#3 A top four finish looking unlikely
Eight draws in 15 league home matches. This is the reason why Manchester United are finding it tough to break in the coveted top four of the Premier League and secure Champions League qualification. After yet another home draw, it is becoming clear day by day that winning the Europa League is the only way that will guarantee elite football for Jose Mourinho's men next season.
United have lost 19 points at home this season (they have won 26 points out of a possible 45) which is unacceptable for a team aspiring to reach the Champions League after having failed to do so in two of their last three season. With remaining fixtures including away trips to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, a place above either Arsenal or Liverpool in the top four might now be a far fetched dream.
#4 An evening to remember for Manchester United's old boys
As many as three former Manchester United players played against their old side for the Baggies. All three excelled in their respective roles and helped West Brom win a crucial away point. Ben Foster, Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher were colossal for the Midlands club at Old Trafford and proved their worth in front of the crowd which once adored them.
Ben Foster made two stunning saves off Marcus Rashford to earn the man of the match award while Jonny Evans played the role of a leader at the back, marshalling his troops to keep a clean sheet. Darren Fletcher kept the play ticking and had two great chances to score a goal for the first time against his old side.
#5 Jose Mourinho was reluctant to ring in the changes
Manchester United had 75% possession in the game but it was evident that despite having the ball, the hosts were finding it difficult to show a cutting edge which would have guided them over the finishing line. In this scenario, it was expected that United would make quick substitutions to increase the tempo of the game and hope for an inspired cameo performance from the bench.
Mourinho made just one change by bringing in Wayne Rooney for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, that too in the 74th minute. Though his squad today did not have much-attacking options because of an injury to Juan Mata, a young attacking midfielder in Matthew Willock could have given them another option going forward. In the dying stages of the match, fresh faces or a change in formation from the manager would have come in handy for Manchester United as well.
