Manchester United got their title defence underway with a 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns this afternoon.
United looked impressive in the first half hour in particular and could have had two or three goals to complement Wayne Rooney’s opener, but were extremely wasteful through Nani in particular.
West Brom had their own half chances and was given a lifeline late in the first half when David De Gea made a real hash of Shane Long’s strike giving the Baggies forward a debut goal following his record £7m move this week.
The second half wasn’t played with the same intensity as the first, and chances were few and far between as the lack of match fitness was clearly evident after a frenetic first half. It ebbed and flowed and it did appear that a draw was the most likely outcome until Ashley Young’s shot deflected in via Steven Reid to give United what proved to be the winning goal.
Unfortunately for Sir Alex Ferguson he lost his first choice defensive pairing to injury, with Rio Ferdinand appearing to have pulled his hamstring, which is a huge blow for United, given they have to face Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea in the next three weeks. Fergie appeared delighted with the 3pts at the end of the game, although will be privately cursing his side’s injury misfortune.
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Watch the goals from today’s game by checking out ESPN’s New GOALS APP