Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion: Match Preview

Robin van Persie’s return is a boost for United

Moyes should have Robin van Persie is available for the weekend fixture, with the Dutchman now back in full training following a groin problem. Tom Cleverley is back in the matchday squad after missing United’s midweek Capital One Cup victory over Liverpool, meaning a full squad from which Moyes can choose as United look to put together a run of victories.

But it is to the youngsters that many supporters hope the new manager turns. Zaha may have joined for £15 million this summer, but it is the youngster Adnan Janujaz that has garnered more positive headlines. The winger’s close control, balance and attacking instincts have brought the Belgian to the fringes of Moyes’s first team this season.

“We really think an awful lot of Adnan,” said Moyes, who is yet to tie the 17-year-old down to a new contract.

“We think he is a Manchester United player and I’m sure he will be. We think it’s the best place for producing and giving young players opportunities. We think we do it better than anybody.

“I think I do it, maybe not as well as my predecessor, but, at Everton, I always put young players in the team when I felt the time was right. It’s what we want and it’s part of my remit, to promote young players and Adnan has been promoted already.”

Meanwhile, the Baggies arrive in Manchester, sweating on strikers Victor Anichebe and Nicolas Anelka, who should be available despite minor injuries. Chris Brunt is set to miss a third successive game, but Claudio Yacob is fit after recovering from a dead leg.

Anichebe and Anelka will surely be vital if the Baggies are to turn around a poor record against United. The visitors haven’t beaten United in the Premier League, losing 11 of 14 fixtures. Indeed, it is 18 games since the Baggies’ last league victory over the Reds – at the Hawthorns in March 1984. Few expect the Midlanders to turn that record around on Saturday.

Still, United will have to show a little more quality in addition to the grit demonstrated against Liverpool on Wednesday night. It wasn’t pretty, but following the humbling loss at City, Moyes will surely be pleased with United’s determination. It was, in the parlance, ” a response.”

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion, Premier League

Old Trafford, 3pm, 28 September 2013

Teams

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Fellaini, Kagawa; Rooney; van Persie.

Subs: Lindegaard, Fabio, Buttner, Smalling, Ferdinand, Anderson, Cleverley, Giggs, Zaha, Valencia, Hernández

West Brom (4-4-1-1): Myhill; Olsson, Ridgewell, McAuley, Jones; Morrison, Sinclair, Amalfitano, Mulumbu; Sessegnon; Anelka.

Subs: Camp, Popov, Lugano, Yacob, Rosenberg, Anichebe, Berahino

Head-to-Head: United 52 Draw 30 West Brom 40

Referee: Michael Oliver

Assistants: P Kirkup, S Long

Fourth Official: A Taylor

Prediction: 2-0