Manchester United missed the opportunity to close the gap on the top four to just two points as they were held to yet another frustrating draw at Old Trafford by West Brom on Saturday afternoon.
Despite completely dominating once again, Jose Mourinho’s side were held to their 8th draw in the previous 12 matches at Old Trafford as failed to stake a claim for a Champions League spot.
Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard went close during a tepid first-half, with Ben Foster rarely tested.
It was pure one-way traffic after the break, with West Brom indebted to their goalkeeper for clawing out two fierce efforts from Marcus Rashford – one a particular sensational stop from a late free-kick.
The result sees United four points behind rivals Manchester City in fifth place, but a win for Arsenal tomorrow evening will see them rise above Mourinho’s side on goal difference.
Read the below to see how Jose Mourinho’s side rated in yet another disappointing draw at home.
David de Gea – Another match at Old Trafford, another extremely quiet afternoon for the Spaniard. Could only watch from the other end as his side dominated play but found no end product. 4.
Antonio Valencia – Named United’s Player of the Month this week, he had a relatively ineffective 90 minutes in comparison to recent weeks. The hosts looked far more potent on the left-hand side through Young on a rare off-day for the South American. 5.
Marcos Rojo – Looks far more comfortable in the centre of defence rather than out wide but still needs to watch his discipline, earning another booking for a needless first-half push. 6.
Eric Bailly – Quickly becoming an integral part of this United side, he made a vital block from ex-United man Fletcher early in the second half to turn the ball wide. Another display of composure and excellent strength in the middle of defence, and will undoubtedly be the future at Old Trafford. 8.
Ashley Young – Given his seventh Premier League appearance of the season after injuries to Smalling and Jones and seems to be looking increasingly competent defensively with each match. Adds real width when his side go forward but needs to find a red shirt with more consistency in the box. 7.
Marouane Fellaini – Looked assured in the middle of the park after some good performances of late, working nicely alongside Carrick to keep possession ticking over. Committed to every tackle and worked extremely hard, nearly getting his second consecutive goal with a fizzing shot just wide. 8.
Michael Carrick – Provided cover whenever Fellaini wandered further up the pitch to support United attacks and had the experience to deal with the likes of Robson-Kanu and Brunt on the break. Was exceptional at turning over possession in midfield and is still a big asset for United at 35-years-old. 8.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Took up an attacking position through the middle due to Pogba’s absence and was the driving force for the hosts all afternoon. Should have capitalised when through one-on-one with Foster but was superbly denied; put in a decent shift if not for any real reward. 7.
Jesse Lingard – Found the physical battle against Nyom tough at times due to his far inferior height but he looked dangerous with the ball at his feet, playing a number of teasing crosses in between Foster and his defence. Faded as the second-half went on but kept up a good work rate. 6.
Anthony Martial – Returned to Mourinho’s starting line-up and played with real intent, running at the West Brom back-line in search of joy. Should have put his side in front with a back-post header before flashing wide again, but couldn’t find the back of the net as United faltered. 7.
Marcus Rashford – Seemed to relish having the pace of Lingard and Martial supporting him in attack and used his pace to good use against a relatively slow West Brom back-line. Was twice sensationally denied from distance by Foster as he came inches away from a winner, but it just wasn’t to be. 7.
Wayne Rooney – Came into the fray with fifteen minutes left but even his vast Premier League experience couldn’t find a late winner, unable to penetrate a well-drilled Baggies back-line. 6.
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