REDS RUN WILD
West Brom 1 Manchester United 2: Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard find the net before Gareth Barry’s late strike panics the Reds
The Red Devils secured the win to move back within 11 points of Premier League leaders Manchester City
JOSE MOURINHO watched his United team make hard work of what should have been an easy win.
An opener from Romelu Lukaku and deflected effort from Jesse Lingard put United in complete control at the break.
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Yet half-time sub Gareth Barry pulled one back with 13 minutes – it was the club’s first goal under Alan Pardew – and Mourinho suffered an extremely nervous end to the game.
Yet United hung on but there should not be too much celebrating as they are 11 points behind Manchester City at the halfway point of the season.
Absolutely nothing had happened in this game until the first goal in the 27th minute.
Jonny Evans failed to clear his lines properly and it came to Rashford. His cross was excellent, Lukaku got between Kieran Gibbs and Evans to deliver a header into the top corner.
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Lukaku had scored 11 United goals before the end of September but since then, had managed just three until this latest effort.
He did not celebrate against his former club.
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Salomon Rondon, who had started brightly, caused one moment of panic in the visiting defence but Antonio Valencia cleared.
Lingard then scored the second eight minutes later although it was lucky. A move involving Nemanja Matic, Lukaku and Juan Mata presented Lingard with a chance and his effort was met with the outstretched leg of Ahmed Hegazi and the ball was diverted past Ben Foster.
Romelu Lukaku does not celebrate as he scores against his former club West Brom
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Jake Livermore managed West Brom’s first shot on target just before the break although it was straight at David De Gea.
Rashford had to be pulled away by his team-mates after a clash with Hegazi.
The England international made a big deal of brush to his face with the palm of the Egyptian's hand.
Hegazi was furious over what he felt was some serious play-acting and the pair went head-to-head. They both landed yellow cards.
David de Gea reacts angrily after Gareth Barry appears to stamp on him
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Rondon was unable to turn in a terrific cross from Oliver Burke and at the other end Rashford steered a half volley wide.
James McClean had every right to be angry with the officials – and Ashley Young – when he was clearly body-checked by the United defender to prevent him from reaching the ball which was heading to de Gea.
Young, who had switched to right-back after the arrival of Marcos Rojo, was given a stern warning by referee Anthony Taylor. It should have been a penalty.
Rondon had another chance, a decent one, but shot straight at de Gea while Chris Brunt delivered a poor half volley which was sent flying into the stands.
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It looked as though West Brom had no chance of scoring but 13 minutes from time, United failed to clear Brunt’s corner and Gareth Barry scrambled the ball into the net.
With five minutes left, Jay Rodriguez headed wide and Marcos Rojo delivered a comedy miskick to give West Brom a corner with De Gea then flapping at the ball.
Manchester United winger Ashley Young is lucky not to concede a penalty against West Brom
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