Manchester United held to goalless draw against West Brom

Author: Solskjaer Has won it!

Manchester United’s chances of clinching a top four spot this season took another hit as West Bromwich held the Reds to 0-0 at Old Trafford.

Former United keeper Ben Foster made a couple of excellent saves from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford in the second half as United pushed for a winning goal.

The match was similar to a lot of previous home matches this season with United seeing most of the possession but struggling to find gaps in the visitors’ defence.

It was a frustrating display for Jose Mourinho, who had to pick a starting XI without suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera, while Paul Pogba, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata all are nursing injuries.

Much to United’s frustration, West Brom defended with all 11 men behind the ball throughout the game and threw their bodies on the line to block any attempt at goal in the first half.

West Brom offered little but came closest to a goal with five minutes left on the clock as Darren Fletcher lined up a shot from range. David de Gea spilled the shot onto the bar and was quick to pick up the loose ball just after.

The visitors tried to force United to come through the middle of the park as they doubled up with their wingers helping out the fullbacks. Unfortunately for United, there was little to no space to be found as the Baggies kept their line around the 18-yard box.

United’s first big chance came through a header from Martial in the first half. After a cross from Antonio Valencia, the Frenchman climbed highest and tried to find the near corner, but unfortunately his effort went just wide.

In the opening exchanges of the second half United were all over West Brom. Fellaini dragged a shot wide from a decent position after a rebound from Mkhitaryan’s shot. Moments later Mkhitaryan stormed through the middle but Foster burst out from his line to get a touch to the Armenian’s finish.

Rashford was the man that looked the most likely to break the deadlock as he fired from 35 yards out, forcing Foster to stretch to make the save. Mourinho didn’t have many options on the bench to try chance the game but the manager introduced Wayne Rooney after 74 minutes to a brilliant reception from the crowd.

Towards the end of the game, Rashford told the captain to step away before he hit a free kick from 30 yards. Foster dived and saved incredibly as the ball looked destined for the top corner.

West Brom gave United a good battle on the day and their defensive display earned them a deserved point at Old Trafford.

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