West Bromwich Albion 2 Manchester United 2
An 87th minute equaliser and first club goal for Dutchman, Daley Blind spared Champions League place chasing Manchester United's blushes last night at the Hawthorns, as they twice came from behind to rescue a point. The draw leaves them in sixth place in the Premier League, already ten points behind leaders Chelsea after only eight games of the season, with the Baggies still in the bottom half. Manager Louis van Gaal's quest for a first away win as the new United boss continues, as will the speculation of whether he can turn the team into the once dominant force they were in English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, but their spirit is not in doubt after a lively display that was almost undone by defensive weaknesses yet again surfacing in their latest match.
England captain Wayne Rooney missed the game for van Gaal's side, being two matches into a three match suspension after his sending off against West Ham. United still had a plethora of riches to pick from up front though with Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Angel di Maria all starting, leaving Radamel Falcao on the subs' bench. Phil Jones' return in the centre of defence was a welcome one for United, but they were still punctured twice by the lively Midlanders on the night.
Indeed, it took WBA only 8 minutes to take the lead as on loan (from Liverpool) Andre Wisdom gained possession on the half way line, galloped into acres of space down the right flank and then cleverly found Stephane Sessegnon inside him.
The Beninese player met the pass perfectly with his right foot from the edge of the box to score a stunning goal into the top right hand corner.
United came back at Albion and di Maria's swivel and shot after a long through ball was comfortably gathered by keeper Boaz Myhill. The Argentinian looked the biggest threat for them during the first period, as he sought to fizz left foot crosses invitingly into the box, and once again stung the hands of the keeper on 31 minutes.
It was not all United though and England Under-21 star, Saido Berahino was a constant threat at the other end with his pace. On 23 minutes he was just inches away from meeting a cross whipped into the box by Graham Dorrans from the right.
United's intent was set out early in the second half as an unexpected source got them back into the match.
Belgian international Marouane Fellaini has not enjoyed the best of starts since his move from Everton to Old Trafford last season, but his introduction at half time gave his new side extra options going forward. It took him only three minutes to score, as he brought a high cross down on his chest and then smashed his shot high into the net. How previous manager, David Moyes would have welcomed such an impact from the man he brought in during his time there.
It did not dampen the home side's attaching intent or potency though and on 66 minutes they were in front again as Berahino scored his 6th goal in six home games after being slotted through the middle from a clever pass from Chris Brunt, and the confident striker calmly tucked the ball into the corner of the net with his right foot.
Again United rallied and van Persie was unlucky on 73 minutes to see his right foot shot hit the post with Myhill well beaten and rebound to safety. They were not to be denied a point though as Blind passed the ball into the net, minutes after earning a yellow card for a deliberate trip.
West Brom just about held on as the waves of Red pressure enveloped them in the closing stages as United pressed for the winner, but the entertaining match finished all square.
