Manchester United vs West Brom – Three key battles
Manchester United will look to regain their form vs West Brom after suffering their second consecutive defeat in convincing fashion at the hands of Everton.
The Red Devils looked sluggish and disinterested against the Toffees, as pointed out by Louis van Gaal in his post match presser. Luke Shaw looked to be the best of the bunch, but other consistent players like Daley Blind and Juan Mata struggled. United will look to bounce back this week against an inferior side in West Bromwich Albion, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
The Baggies have had a mixed run of form going into the match, most recently drawing against Liverpool to the delight of United fans everywhere. With nothing left to play for in the remaining four games of the season, West Brom will look to play spoiler to the top level of the league. Manchester United realistically need just three points to cement their position in the top four, and three key battles in the match will go a long way to determining the result.
More from Manchester United News
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
- Mike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit
Saido Berahino vs United center backs
I’m not going to explicitly say which center backs since quite frankly, I don’t know who will be at the back for United. Smalling will most likely be the first of the pair, with the other depending on injuries. Regardless, United’s defense had been much improved this season until the debacle at Everton. The Toffees scored a goal on the counter, a set piece goal, and a goal due to a mental lapse from Antonio Valencia. If Rojo and Jones remain sidelined, it will be Jonny Evans or Paddy McNair partnering with Smalling. McNair struggled mightily last week, looking timid throughout, and Evans has never been an option inspiring confidence.
Berahino is, without doubt, West Brom’s best chance to score. He has 12 goals this season for the Baggies, eight more than the next best player, Brown Ideye. The United back line will need to be constantly aware, as Berahino likes to take chances from range; the center back pairing will have to be working in unison to close down quickly while providing cover. With McNair and Smalling having rarely paired up together, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Evans for this match if both Jones and Rojo are out. If that’s the case, it could be a nerve-wracking affair throughout.
Chris Brunt vs Antonio Valencia
This is the second week in a row I’ve picked out Valencia as a deciding factor. Last week against Everton he was downright awful, with two of the goals mostly the result of his mistakes. The Ecuadorian will need to be sharper if Manchester United want to secure the three points this week, as West Brom’s Chris Brunt will perform similarly to Leighton Baines last week. Valencia doesn’t struggle to keep up with pace, but his sense of positioning is of serious concern and Brunt will look to exploit it.
The left-back has played all over the field for the Baggies, also popping up at left mid. He’s registered eight assists this season, showing his versatility as an attacker playing in a defending role. Essentially, he’s a similar player to Leighton Baines just at a slightly lower level, so it will be important for Valencia to contain him when he pushes forward.
Darren Fletcher vs Daley Blind
As mentioned, Blind struggled last week against Everton. While Michael Carrick has been injured, the versatile Dutchman has stepped in to play in the holding position. Quite frankly, he’s been poor, unlike when he plays at left-back. In the anchor role of the midfield, he doesn’t seem to be comfortable playing by himself; he’d been better when United had two holding midfielders. Against West Brom, he’ll find the space limited just like the last two games, as the Baggies will look to hold a strong defensive line.
Darren Fletcher will face his former club for the first time since leaving on transfer in January. He played with Manchester United for most of his life, so the encounter will likely be an emotional return for the midfielder. He’ll be looking to keep that aspect out of it during the match, but the stage could prove to be too much to handle. The battle between the two midfield generals will have significant ramifications for the match, with both trying to lead the charge while holding down the fort.