Manchester United’s hopes of finishing in the top four have taken a hit after being held to a goalless draw by West Bromwich Albion in Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The first half-chance of the match came for Man United in the 10th minute when Jesse Lingard controlled a loose ball just inside the West Brom box, but the England international could only fire his effort into the stands.
Four minutes later, Ashley Young had the chance to test Ben Foster after a loose header from Craig Dawson had fallen to the left-back, but his effort was comfortable for the Baggies goalkeeper.
West Brom failed to register a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes of action at Old Trafford, but Tony Pulis’s side restricted Man United to very little down the other end as the two teams entered the half-time break at 0-0.
West Brom’s game plan did not change at the start of the second period as they continued to sit deep and invite pressure from Man United, who were driven forward by a vocal home support.
Rondon was thrown on for West Brom in the 70th minute as the Baggies flirted with the idea of snatching all the points from Old Trafford, but it was Man United that continued to look the team more likely to make the breakthrough, and Foster needed to be at his best to keep out a thumping strike from Rashford as the pressure continued.
Rooney was introduced in the 75th minute as Mourinho looked for an experienced head in the final third, but it did not change West Brom’s approach as the visitors continued to sit deep and defend their lines.
Fletcher saw his long-range effort fumbled onto the crossbar by David de Gea in the latter stages, before Foster pulled off a brilliant save to keep out Rashford’s curling free kick down the other end.
Man United remain fifth in the Premier League table, four points behind fourth-place Manchester City.
West Brom, meanwhile, stay eighth in the division behind Everton.
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