West Brom vs Manchester United – as it happened: Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard both find the net
All the action from the Hawthorns as United saw off West Brom
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United secured their second narrow victory in the space of four days with a 2-1 defeat of West Brom at the Hawthorns.
Romelu Lukaku's header and Jesse Lingard's deflected strike gave Jose Mourinho's team a two-goal advantage at the break, and although Gareth Barry pulled one back for the hosts, United clung on for all three points.
The victory still leaves United second in the league, 11 points behind their city rivals, while West Brom's poor run of form leaves them 19th in the table, above only Swansea City.
Follow all the live action below...
What time does it start?
West Brom vs Manchester United kicks off at 2.15pm on Sunday afternoon
Where can I watch it?
Highlights of the game will be broadcast on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday at 22.30
It’s a big game for…
Romelu Lukaku. The £75m man grabbed a goal in midweek after a recent dry spell, and these sorts of games are bread-and-butter stuff for the striker who famously thrives against smaller sides. He has four goals in seven career appearances against West Brom.
The Belgian is remembered fondly in this part of the West Midlands after scoring 17 goals in 35 Premier League appearances as a 19-year-old for the Baggies, and will likely get a warm welcome. But he will need to be at his ruthless best to get through a fast-improving West Brom defence.
Best stat…
No manager has beaten Jose Mourinho in the Premier League more times than Alan Pardew (3 – level with Mark Hughes).
Remember when...
Sir Alex’s 1,500th and final match in charge of Manchester United ended in a goalfest as his side drew 5-5 with West Brom.
On an unusually festive final-day occasion, with the Red Devils already crowned as champions and the Baggies comfortably ensconced in the top half, a Romelu Lukaku hat-trick and goals from forgotten names like Shinji Kagawa and Alexander Buttner ensured that the points were shared.
Player to watch…
Jonny Evans. Against his former club, Evans will be crucial to the Baggies’ hopes of getting anything from this match. The West Brom captain has helped his side keep clean sheets against Liverpool and Crystal Palace in their last three games, and has a habit of chipping in with important goals too.
Evans has recently been linked with a return to Manchester, with both City and United reportedly interested, and the Baggies will surely have to keep hold of the Northern Ireland international in January if they are to have any chance of staying up. Up against the likes of Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, he will be key to West Brom’s chances here.
Previous three meetings…
Manchester United 0 West Bromwich Albion 0, Premier League, April 2017
West Bromwich Albion 0 Manchester United 2 (Ibrahimovic), Premier League, December 2016
West Bromwich Albion 1 (Rondon) Manchester United 0, Premier League, March 2016
Form guide…
West Bromwich Albion: DDDLD
Manchester United: WWWLW
Odds…
West Bromwich Albion: 5/1
Manchester United: 3/5
Draw: 11/4
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of West Brom vs Manchester United from The Hawthorns.
We'll have the team news for you in a couple of minutes.
West Brom vs Manchester United - last five meetings
- Man United 0-0 West Brom, April 2017 (Premier League)
- West Brom 0-2 Man United, December 2016 (Premier League)
- West Brom 1-0 Man United, March 2016 (Premier League)
- Man United 2-0 West Brom, November 2015 (Premier League)
- Man United 0-1 West Brom, May 2015 (Premier League)
Will the Scot make a big impact for the Baggies on his full Premier League debut?
Pre-match quotes from Jose Mourinho
On his team selection: "We think one match at a time. I'm not rotating or protecting players for what is coming, I'm trying to play with a team that I think is the best team for this match."
On the challenge posed by West Brom: "Their biggest threat is that they need points because they are in a difficult position. This stadium is always difficult because their crowd is so supportive and enthusiastic. Also, the qualities and the experience of the players - they're a very experienced team."
Quotes from Sky Sports
This man is yet to start for United since returning from a serious knee injury. After five goalless substitute appearances this season, will he make an impact off the bench today?
Pre-match quotes from Alan Pardew
On his start to life as West Brom boss: "The team is on a good footing defensively but we've got to start scoring goals. I have to get the goal scorers scoring, I have to create more chances for them. Rondon has been terrific but we need to create more."
On handing Oliver Burke his first PL start: "His duty today is to scare United. If he doesn't scare them then he probably won't be on the pitch very long. I like what I see of him, he reminds me of a young Zaha in terms of not quite understanding the defensive side of the game but having bundles of talent."
Quotes from Sky Sports
We are just over five minutes away from kick-off at the Hawthorns. Can United narrow the gap to league leaders Manchester City to 11 points or will the Baggies get the win they need to climb out of the relegation zone? Stay right here to find out!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments