Van der Sar howler add to United's woes

Manchester United recorded their fifth draw of the season against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford yesterdy. United’s dissappointing start to the season continued when West Brom came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw. Wayne Rooney was dropped to the bench at Old Trafford but even his appearance in the 71st minute failed to prevent a 2-2 draw with the promoted side. Javier Hernandez scored in the fifth minute when goalkeeper Scott Carson failed to hold on to a free kick from Nani, who doubled the hosts’ lead midway through the half when he was on hand to stroke the ball past Carson following a fine passing move. United should have scored more than two goals by the end of the first half had the forwards not wasted their chances. Even the two goal lead showcased their dominance.

The second half started with the West Brom fightback and when United lost Ryan Giggs due to a hamstring injury, the wheels seemed to come off the United juggernaut. Patrice Evra gifted an own goal in the 50th minute and then a Van der Sar howler made it 2-2. The goalkeeper faced with the simplest of catches, dropped the ball at the feet of Somen Tchoyi who gleefully equalised.

It was the third time this season in the league that United have surrendered a 2-0 lead. Sir Alex Ferguson fumed at the second half display saying the result inexplicable and obviously frustrating.Ferguson also confirmed Giggs is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering another setback on his comeback after a fortnight out. The United manager did not even touch on the matter of Rooney’s absence from the starting line-up, however, it seemed like a decision based purely on form and his eventual introduction will not have done much to quell talk of rifts.