Manchester United may have picked up three points from their opening game at the Hawthorns but Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind will be full of questions. Captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will need to be assessed for the calf and hamstring problems that heralded their second half departures. Ferguson will need to find some confidence for De Gea. In addition to a crash course in dealing with crosses, the Spaniard’s inexplicable error in gifting West Bromwich Albion an equaliser turned his Premier League debut into a disappointing one.
West Bromwich Albion 1 vs Manchester United 2
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted after the game that “We’ve had a torrid two or three days. Rafael hurt his shoulder in training and is out for 10 weeks as he’s going to need an operation.Rio has hurt his hamstring and will be out for six weeks.
With Vida, we don’t know whether it’s a nerve problem or not. He’ll have that checked tomorrow. He could be out a couple of weeks. But with Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones here, it’s a godsend to be honest with you. Also, Patrice Evra will be back next week, he’ll be fit, so I’ve got options.”
Full match report on the Manchester United Official Site
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson lamented that “It was close. Our performance was very good, and we’re sad not to hold on but very pleased with our team’s performance. We played ourselves into the game and deserved a result for long periods of the game but unfortunately, Young got that bit of luck and that changed the complexion of things.
We knew it was going to be tough, but we kept our end up well and consider ourselves a little bit unlucky not to get something from the game. We gave United a good run for their money.”
Full match report on the Albion Official Site
Sky Sports Talking Points
Man of the match: Ashley Young. Outstanding contribution on the left. Blended into the United team easily and his direct attitude earned United the winner.
Goal of the game: Wayne Rooney’s opener on the turn was well taken after some neat control from the England striker.
Moment of the match: The winning goal after 81 minutes gave United their first win and ensures that one of the big four emerged victorious over the weekend.
Save of the match: David de Gea made a top save before conceding the goal after parrying Shane Long’s fierce drive wide for a corner.
Attempt of the match: Long’s first half drive at De Gea was well saved after the striker lashed the ball with velocity which was heading into the roof of the net.
Main talking point: How long will it take De Gea to settle in England after a performance lacking all confidence this afternoon?
Should the injuries to Vidic and Ferdinand be a major concern?
good game glad we won with all the other top teams dropping points but im glad we have cover in defence but thats where we seem to get all the injuries all at the same time i hope they get better soon
Hate to say this Hugh but after the retirement of Neville, Scholes and VDS at the end of last season, United may be facing a couple more in Giggs and Ferdinand next May! Even Berbatov will be at the end of his contract. Is he running it down so that he can retire and take over as boss of Bulgaria? He will be the ideal man for the job so it will not surprise.
There is a middle-of-the-night report of this match, from Australian sportswriter John Harms http://footyalmanac.com.au/?p=27467 He also looks at how Aussies have experienced English football over the past four decades.