Reds Trio Preview WBA Test

Manchester United are set to return to Premier League action against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, where the Reds can build on the momentum gathered by the move up from sixth to fifth place prior to the international break.

Here’s a flavour of what the players have been talking about ahead of the 15:00 BST kick-off…

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN
Ex-United players Ben Foster, Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher will all return to Old Trafford in this fixture, and they are sure to receive a warm ovation from the Reds' supporters. Micki didn’t play with any of them though, and while he respects their contributions to the club, he is only interested in winning the game. 

“I know about their history and I appreciate it,” Henrikh told MUTV. “That is life, one day you are here and another you are at another club. You have to keep working hard and do your best for your team. They will have a warm welcome at Old Trafford, but for us it does not matter. We have to try to win the game.”

The subject of United's absentees prompted an equally focused answer from Micki, who isn't too concerned about Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all being unavailable. “Yes we know they are going to miss the game and for us it is bad news but we are ready to play,” he said. “Everyone who is getting ready for West Brom knows they have the take the responsibility.”

JESSE LINGARD
Saturday’s game at Old Trafford conjures positive memories of November 2015 for Lingard, because that is when the Academy graduate scored his first-ever senior goal for the club - against the Baggies.
“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Jesse told MUTV. “Obviously Anthony [Martial] crossed it in, it was headed out and then I had the composure to take a touch and slotted it in the bottom corner.

“I’ve played quite a few games against West Brom and I have done well so hopefully I can do it at the weekend. Your first goal for the club is something you’ve dreamed about playing for and it is always going to be big, especially for my family. It was a great moment for them too.”

ASHLEY YOUNG
Speaking of goals against West Brom, Youngy had one taken off him during his Premier League debut for United back in 2011, when his heavily-deflected cross memorably clinched a 2-1 win at The Hawthorns. He’s not bitter about it (much), and expects a similarly tight match this weekend. 

“I definitely didn’t get it,” Ash explains in Saturday’s edition of United Review. “It took maybe three or four deflections! It was a crazy celebration though and it was my league debut for the club. 

"So I’ve got some good memories from West Brom matches and that one especially stands out. It’s going to be a tough test  on Saturday – it always is against them, they’re a good side and are doing well in the league. They will be on a high after going into the international break by beating Arsenal.”