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Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion. However, the two dropped points could be costly for the Red Devils in the 2020-21 Premier League title race.
Mbaye Diagne's opener gave West Bromwich Albion the lead early on before Bruno Fernandes restored parity for Manchester United with an exceptional volley.
Manchester United saw a lot of the ball, but failed to breach the Baggies backline again for the winner. Harry Maguire's late header was tipped over by Sam Johnstone, but it was the home side that enjoyed the best of the chances in the second half.
United are now seven points behind their cross-city rivals, having played a game more.
On that note, let us have a look at the five major talking points from Manchester United's disappointing draw at West Brom.
#1 Manchester United are caught napping early
The hosts displayed infectious intent in the opening seconds of the game. West Brom were at it from the get-gom as they deployed five men in and around the box for long throws.
That spoke volumes of their energy and hunger, while Manchester United were nowhere near that level in the early exchanges.
It took just 83 seconds for the Baggies to expose a lazy Manchester United, as they failed to deal well with a cross that beat David de Gea.
After beating Anthony Martial with some classic overloading down the right flank, Conor Gallagher whipped in a delightful ball into the Manchester United box.
Victor Lindelof, who was well ahead of his marker, stood no chance, as Diagne outmuscled him to head home his maiden Premier League goal.
#2 Bruno Fernandes comes to Manchester United's rescue yet again
West Bromwich Albion did not get carried away with their early opener, and looked to double their lead against Manchester United.
Their stubborn defence also frustrated the visitors. The West Bromwich Albion defence shut down spaces masterfully. As a result, the likes of Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka only received the ball in wide areas.
However, Shaw's brilliant run fashioned an opening for Manchester United on the cusp of half-time. Bruno Fernandes was on hand to strike a sweet volley beyond former Manchester United custodian Sam Johnstone.
Not for the first time, Bruno Fernandes made a goal-contribution since his arrival at the club last year. Only Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski (44 each) have been involved in more goals across Europe's top five leagues than Fernandes (38) since the latter's arrival at Manchester United.
Also Read: Manchester United News Roundup: Mino Raiola's comments on Paul Pogba, Red Devils identify Premier League star as new target, and more — 11th February 2021.
#3 West Bromwich Albion's physicality overwhelms Manchester United
Apart from a double chance Manchester United were presented in the 70th minute, West Bromwich Albion thwarted the visitors on almost every other occasion.
The hosts maintained their positional discipline and defended with gusto to keep their more illustrious visitors at bay.
Allardyce's side forced Manchester United to play the ball out wide, which explained why Rashford and Martial did not see much of the ball in the West Bromwich Albion box.
Manchester United, though, had a penalty that was overturned because Harry Maguire was apparently off-side. Otherwise, West Bromwich Albion also thwarted the visitors from breaking through the middle.
#4 West Bromwich Albion could have taken all three points
While West Bromwich Albion's struggles continue, they'll take a host of positives from their draw against Manchester United.
They were the superior team in the air both defensively and offensively. Manchester United played second fiddle for most of the match.
It was a performance typical of a Sam Allardyce side; solid at the back and blistering on the break. However, Manchester United lacked the urgency and accuracy with the final ball.
West Bromwich Albion came close through Robert Snodgrass in the first half. But the former Hull City winger's header was tipped over the bar.
Diagne then fluffed his lines off a sensational cross in the 88th minute, while he also saw his effort saved by de Gea in a one-on-one situation.
Manchester United can consider themselves a tad fortuitous that they could eventually force a share of the spoils on the night.
#5 Conor Gallagher is coming of age for West Bromwich Albion
It was a sensational performance without the ball and on the break from West Bromwich Albion.
The team's defensive application ensured Manchester United were out of ideas, but one player whose all-round display caught the eye was Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
The 21-year-old was a complete package in the Baggies midfield. He sat deep to block the channels and intercept longe passes; Gallagher also impressed on the ball whenever West Bromwich Albion ventured forward.
In a system like West Bromwich Albion's, it's essential for a midfielder to have quality and creativity on the ball. Gallagher demonstrated both of the attributes with a delightful cross for the opener; he also showed his intelligence to drop into deeper positions when required.
The Chelsea loanee is one to watch out for the future, as he isn't afraid to break into dangerous areas and let fly from distance as well.
