Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Premier League

Sunday 11/03/2012

Manchester United move top of the Premier League after comfortable victory over West Brom.

After the disappointment of the 3-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, United were looking to bounce back against West Brom. With Nani injured in training on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a forward three of Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck.

Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were also amongst the starters as the reds continued their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. The visitors began the game the brighter, almost catching United out when Keith Andrews poked a Liam Ridgewell cross just wide of David De Gea's post.

West Brom had taken a leaf out of Athletic Bilbao's book, pressing the United duo of Scholes and Carrick, not allowing them any time on the the ball. In the 17th minute West Brom were close to taking the lead when Keith Andrews' deflected shot was just turned around the post by David De Gea.

United slowly began to take charge of the game as the United midfield started to control possession. United's main attacking outlet was the combination of Patrice Evra and Ashley Young down the left flank, however the killer pass seemed to evade them. United were gaining momentum and seven minutes before half time United took the lead through Wayne Rooney. Chicharito cut inside onto his left foot on the edge of the area before firing a low strike towards goal and before Ben Foster could scoop up the tame shot, the England striker nicked in front, volleying home from six yards.

After a slow start United had a deserved lead going into the break, but at just one goal there was still everything to play for in the second half. West Brom came out of the blocks brightly again, looking to get back into the match. Ten minutes in United were inches away from making it two, as Chicharito wormed himself into shooting position on the edge of the area but the Mexican striker saw his powerful shot crash against the post as the visitors cleared.

West Brom were building up a head of steam and on the hour Gabriel Tamas stung the gloves of David De Gea from long range. This wasn't to last, as minutes later the Baggies were down to ten. Jonas Ollson flew in late on Chicharito as United were looking to break, collecting his second yellow of the afternoon.

With the red came the end of the West Brom fight back with United completely dominated the match. Five minutes after the sending off United made it two, as Ashley Young was brought down in the area by Keith Andrews. Wayne Rooney despatched the spot kick confidently giving United a two goal cushion.

Following the goal the Red Devils brought on starlet Paul Pogba for veteran Paul Scholes, the young French midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club as contract negotiations between player and club have stumbled over recent weeks. This didn't seem to affect him as he played well for the final 20 minutes of the game.

Ashley Young almost made it three late on skewing his headed effort wide from a Chicharito cross. Before full time the home crowd erupted as new filtered in of Manchester City going behind against Swansea.

The Reds saw the game out at two nil as they take a huge step towards their 20th League title, moving to the summit of the table.