Defensive inadequacies at United become crystal clear after 1-1 draw with West Brom

West Brom held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns on Sunday, highlighting United’s necessity for defensive reinforcements.

The Baggies exploited Swede Victor Lindelof’s weaknesses from the start – taking the lead after just 83 seconds through Mbaye Diagne. Conor Gallagher’s cross was met by the Senegalese who bullied Lindelof and rose highest to head past a hopeless De Gea between the sticks.

It raises the question – would Manchester United have picked up the three points today if Eric Bailly had started in place of Lindelof? Bailly has looked phenomenal this season alongside Harry Maguire, with his electric pace being exactly what the United captain lacks.

Maguire was left red-faced after he judged a ball completely wrong and in an attempt to let the ball roll its way back to the ‘keeper – was leapfrogged by Diagne and De Gea spared his blushes with an outstanding double save.

The number five made his thoughts about the referees’ performances clear following a penalty being ruled out shortly after the hour mark.

“Ever since other people from other teams spoke about us we’ve had absolutely nothing from the referee or VAR. At the moment we’re playing without them so we’ve got to make sure we’re not leaving the game in the hands of the referee or VAR.”

The Maguire-Lindelof partnership is one that Solskjaer has persisted with during his tenure as Manchester United manager, but it could be time for the Norwegian to switch things up.

On the brighter side for United’s backline, left-back Luke Shaw added another assist to his league tally of five. No player has more Premier League assists in 2021 than the Englishman (4).

Arguably Ole’s most consistent performer this season, Shaw has taken his game to another level following the arrival of Brazilian Alex Telles from Porto.

Luke Shaw vs. West Brom [Man Utd rank]:

11 attempted crosses [1st]
9 ball recoveries [2nd]
6 successful crosses [1st]
4 chances created [1st]
1 assist [1st]

In the form of his life. ? pic.twitter.com/B6VPjLcxF7

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 14, 2021

Aaron Wan-Bissaka had no problem bombing down the right-wing for United in the game, but crossing is an aspect of his game that must improve. The full-back attempted six crosses throughout the 90 minutes, but didn’t manage to record a single accurate one.

Defensive midfielder Fred marked his 100th appearance for the Red Devils, but failed to make a mark on the game and was substituted for Donny van de Beek with ten minutes to play.

A moment of sheer brilliance from Bruno Fernandes on half-time ensured United left with at least a point, striking home a sweet volley on his weaker foot past Sam Johnstone from Luke Shaw’s cross.

Marcus Rashford started the game on the right-wing, but failed to find his groove and rarely left a mark on the game. It’s food for thought for the manager – Rashford enjoyed his best spell at the club as a main striker following Ole’s interim appointment in December 2018.

As Anthony Martial had yet another poor performance, and was hooked for Mason Greenwood with 25 minutes to play, it’s a real possibility Rashford could form a strike partnership with Edinson Cavani in the future.

Ole, as expected, expressed his support for his number nine:

“I know Anthony is working hard to get back to where he was, his attitude is very good. Form is temporary but class is permanent and the kid has class.”

Rashford’s output in the final third today was something United fans would rather forget, looking lost and confused whenever he was presented with an opportunity close to goal.

Solskjaer’s men have now managed just ten points in their last seven league games, in which they’ve played each of the bottom three sides (Sheffield United, West Brom, Fulham).

Next up for Allardyce’s men is a trip to Burnley, while United begin a tough run of games starting against Real Sociedad in the Europa League knockout stage on Thursday evening.