United have managed to get through a tough month of fixtures without falling off the pace at the top of the table.
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Substitute Saido Berahino headed West Brom’s best chance over the bar in the 76th.
Yet Van Gaal felt Scholes was responsible for the dissent in the stands as he argued that his team have been adventurous. ‘I can only advise the fans to criticize the manager and not the players. When you are yelling “attack, attack, attack”, and we attacked for 85 minutes, you have to think as a fan: ‘Is it all right to yell?’ Booked in the second half for a foul and was eventually taken off by Van Gaal in the 76th minute.
United kept a clean sheet for the fifth time in succession against West Brom and Mata hailed their defensive strength.
Lingard, who has been at the club since he was seven, deservedly won the man of the match award for his attacking display down the left.
However, he did not have long to wait to find the net as he hit the target against West Brom. Neither, though, are likely to play on Saturday, with Foster still coming back from a long-term injury and Lindegaard now backing up Boaz Myhill.
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata feels his side are in a good position to challenge for the league title this season.
It was rarely in a unsafe area, however, as West Brom, who had conceded in only one of their previous five away games in the league this season, were content to sit deep and try to keep the home side at arm’s length. On a personal level I enjoyed the training, the demands he set and the high standards he set on his players. He was [enjoyable to work with].
“I would say it is much too early and we have to wait and see to see if he is consistent in his form”, Van Gaal said.
In a side show to the action at Old Trafford, Republic of Ireland winger James McClean was jeered by Man Utd fans as he became the only player in the Premier League to refuse to wear a poppy on his shirt.
Prediction: This is unlikely to be a thrilling spectacle for anyone concerned.
The second was self-inflicted as West Brom defender Craig Dawson gave the ball away to Anthony Martial, who released Lingard, only for ex-United defender Jonny Evans to slide in with an excellent block.
Manchester United host West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford tomorrow and hoping to avoid another setback.
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Scholes has been critical of Van Gaal’s United team by claiming they’re “boring” to watch and that the best strikers in the world would struggle because they don’t create enough chances.
