3 Key Talking Points From Manchester United vs West Brom (0-1): United’s Striking Woes Reappear

Here are the major talking points from the game.

1. Have United been found out?

For all of the talk of United running Chelsea close this season, the last few weeks have demonstrated just why this United side are still a work in progress. Three consecutive defeats for the first time since 2001 and without scoring even a single goal emphasizes how reliant they were on Michael Carrick, who has been absent in all three games. Ander Herrera, who forays forward were a constant feature of United’s attack has been moved into defensive midfield and side’s best striker was asked to operate as a central midfielder, all because of just one injury.

While injury list is a concern in itself, the fact that they can’t seem to cope as well as they have in the past is an indicator that this squad is still in need of rejuvenation. Chelsea, Everton and West Brom sat back and asked the Red Devils to pick them apart. Unfortunately for Van Gaal, his side haven’t been able to do so and without anyone who can run at defenders and create panic, there has been a lot of sideways passing, but not much penetration in the attacking third. Angel Di Maria came on in the hope of providing just that but instead showed just why, on current form, he isn’t worth half as much as the money the club paid for him. Despite spending a lot of money last summer, it looks as though the same will be necessary this time around as well, with a top quality striker, central midfielder and defender, top on the list of priorities.

2. United’s striking woes reappear

Although United ended the game with Di Maria, Falcao, Fellaini, Mata, Van Persie and Rooney, they struggled to create too many chances. In the second half, Van Gaal switched the positions of  Fellaini and Van Persie and the side’s two best strikers were left to play in central midfield. While that in itself might answer the question of why United haven’t scored in three consecutive games, the truth is that the Dutch manager has had little option but to do just that.

Without Michael Carrick, there aren’t many midfielders that the manager can call upon. While he was seldom used, Darren Fletcher, with his experience, looked a solid backup, should injuries strike, but the Dutchman’s decision to let him go, coupled with the club’s ever-present defensive injuries means that Rooney has been asked to play in midfield far too often this season. And on Saturday, his strike partner joined him as well and neither looked their usual self. Despite missing the penalty, it was the lack of chances created and not their finishing that was the big problem. Fitness permitting, the Dutchman will hope to play his strikers up front and not in midfield where their effectiveness is stymied.

3. Pulis to the rescue again

After winning just two games in March and April, relegation worries were back on the Baggies minds as they came to Old Trafford, where they hadn’t won consecutive games in over half a century. But three points on Saturday lifted them up to the magical 40-point mark and looks to have all but secured their status in the top flight for another season.

With a back four that comprised entirely of center-backs, you wondered whether they would be found out by Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. But Pulis’ well-drilled side, who played with just Saido Berahino up front and nine men behind the ball, stuck to their game plan of making it difficult for the hosts to play through them. And by following the game plan set by United’s previous two opponents, the visitors ensured that they got their ninth clean sheet in 15 games. While there was an element of luck in their goal, it was no more than what they deserves as Pulis finally got his first win over Manchester United.