In a week when Manchester United’s lack of flair was a constant source of chatter, their latest victory did little to answer to answer the critics.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku against his former club and Jesse Lingard did at least help United keep cross-city rivals Manchester City just about in sight in the race for the Premier League title.
Yet what had looked set to be a routine win against a struggling West Bromwich Albion became anything but in the closing stages when Gareth Barry’s goal for the hosts left Jose Mourinho’s side holding on.
They held firm, though, in an ugly finale that did nothing to bridge the style gap to Pep Guardiola’s City but which kept the margin of their rivals lead unchanged from the start of the weekend.
Despite a dominant start from United that was aided by some sloppy West Brom passing, it was the hosts who threatened first in the ninth minute.
A backheel from Salomon Rondon freed James McClean on the left and he crossed towards the far post, where Oliver Burke was arriving.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku against his former club and Jesse Lingard did at least help United keep cross-city rivals Manchester City just about in sight in the race for the Premier League title.
Yet what had looked set to be a routine win against a struggling West Bromwich Albion became anything but in the closing stages when Gareth Barry’s goal for the hosts left Jose Mourinho’s side holding on.
They held firm, though, in an ugly finale that did nothing to bridge the style gap to Pep Guardiola’s City but which kept the margin of their rivals lead unchanged from the start of the weekend.
Despite a dominant start from United that was aided by some sloppy West Brom passing, it was the hosts who threatened first in the ninth minute.
A backheel from Salomon Rondon freed James McClean on the left and he crossed towards the far post, where Oliver Burke was arriving.
