The Match: Defeat For The Red Devils

Here’s our detailed take on the champions' shock defeat to West Brom…

The match No complaints for United, who didn't build on promising build-up play when the game was scoreless, and were faced with an uphill battle from the moment a pumped up West Brom side forged ahead. Though the Reds responded well to going a goal behind by quickly levelling, the Baggies' counter-response was superb, before a heroic late defensive display closed out a superb win for the visitors.

Goal Wayne Rooney continued his impressive recent run of goalscoring form. Whether his free-kick was a shot or a cross, only he knows, but the Reds' skipper for the day has moved onto 202 goals for the club.

Sub-plot With a tricky Champions League trip to Donetsk looming next week, David Moyes opted against risking Robin van Persie and Patrice Evra from the start, while club captain Nemanja Vidic and player-coach Ryan Giggs were absent entirely.

Star men Nani was United's most menacing attacker for the majority of the game, while Rooney was always available and intent on finding a route back into the game. There were also positives aplenty in the 45-minute display of Adnan Januzaj, whose talent shines bright in his every outing.

The opposition Steve Clarke's Baggies were superb, offering United little time or space in possession, while looking to maximise their own time on the ball. Victor Anichebe's bullish display as a lone striker set the tone for a battling display, and he was surrounded by several heroic performers.

Move of the match United went from defence to attack in the blink of an eye, as Rooney showed staggering composure and skill to arc a wonderful pass into Nani's path. Though the Portuguese winger sprinted clear, his target, Chicharito, was unable to find an onside position to receive possession, and the chance fizzled out.

In the stands Unsurprisingly, the home support were left stunned in the end, despite doing their utmost to raise their side in every late attack. It was the visiting supporters, however, who laughed last and loudest, and were boinging all the way back to the Midlands.