WEST BROM HOLD MAN UNITED TO BARREN RUN

Manchester United were held by a disciplined West Bromwich Albion side in the Premier League.


Despite chasing a top four finish the Red Devils surprisingly dropped points with the barren run at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho’s men have been handed several chances to move up the standings this season, especially of late but they seem to throw them away each time. The team has played a draw in eleven Premier League matches this season with eight being at home.

The draw sees then place fifth behind Manchester City. United came closest to changing the scoreline when Marcus Rashford forced keeper Ben Foster to two full stretch saves. The Baggies as expected sat behind the ball all through, leaving the hosts to enjoy 75% ball possession.

Man United were without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The absence of Paul Pogba and Juan Mata further worsened the creativity problems.

Anthony Martial came close to scoring but his header drifted wide. Marouane Fellaini sent his shot off target though he had a good game. Henrikh Mkhitaryan chipped effort was another close shave. The visitors had their best chance make contact with the crossbar as keeper David De Geaspilled Darren Fletcher’s effort.

United have a busy April with Everton, Sunderland, Chelsea, Burnley, Man City and Swansea planned. This is aside the two-legged contest against Anderlecht in the Europa League. Winning the Europa League, where they are favourites, seems to be the clear path at playing in the Champions League next season.

Rashford led the attack but he failed to live up to last term’s exploits. The Three Lions player has now gone 19 games without scoring in the Premier League. Tony Pulis pulled off a tight plan that worked against United. Little wonder they are among the top eight teams in the league and they are hoping to get European football at the end of the season.