Louis van Gaal: Man Utd fans should make up their own minds

Evans was fortunate to escape a handball on the edge of the area from a Mata flick as United, who handed a senior debut to Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, chased a crucial second goal to alleviate the tension inside Old Trafford.

Manchester United found a home grown solution to their goalscoring problems in the shape of Jesse Lingard as the 22-year-old celebrated his first Premier League start by breaking an Old Trafford stalemate on Saturday. “Previous year we lost against this opponent and probably because of that [West Brom manager] Tony Pulis chooses this strategy again”.

Yet his return in the Premier League this season has been disappointing, with this blank against West Brom extending his record to two goals in 11 games. They are fifth in the log and just four points behind Arsenal who are joint top with Manchester City.

The Baggies always seem to play United tough, losing just once in the sides’ last five meetings (W2, D2, L1).

West Brom had been up-and-down in their last six matches with three wins and three losses. He and Martial struggled to work together as they often made similar movements but with more time they will learn eachother’s games and their partnership will only blossom.

“The only way you can play against such a defensive, organised team is the way we do it, you need patience”.

The match can be a fairly boring contest considering the current style of play of both the teams.

Though West Brom’s deep midfield and defence kept United at bay for the majority of the first half, the hosts had two opportunities to go one up heading into the break. Marko Arnautovic returned to haunt Jose Mourinho with a spectacular victor as Stoke City sank Chelsea 1-0 yesterday to plunge the Premier League champions’ manager’s future into doubt. West Brom attempted only 109.

Luke Shaw continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg and is joined on the sidelines by Paddy McNair and James Wilson. Chris Brunt remains a doubtful starter for the match while former Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert is declared fit. However, right-back Matteo Darmian is suspended and Antonio Valencia is absent with injury so Ashley Young may come into the back four. Despite a few competition from Daley Blind, Rojo has continued to impress on the flank and will nearly certainly start once again. Morgan Schneiderlin is expected to be back after missing out against CSKA Moscow and partner Carrick in the central defensive midfield role.

The Red Devils looked the better side as they were the ones showing positive intent, though no further goals were added till Anthony Martial was fouled towards the end in the box, earning his side a penalty.