Manchester United 2 West Brom 0 player ratings: Jesse Lingard the pick of the bunch in narrow win
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League and they had the inexperienced but exuberant Jesse Lingard to thank.
The youth team product was by far the stand-out performer as Louis van Gaal's side put back-to-back goalless league draws behind them and registered their first domestic three points of the month.
It did not, however, come easily. Chances in the first half were few and far between, with the only clear opportunity falling to Juan Mata. He did well to steer the ball towards goal from a tight angle but his shot glimpsed past the far post.
Lingard was put through on goal just before the whistle sounded following a poor back-pass by Craig Dawson. Fortunately for Tony Pulis' side, former United centre-half Jonny Evans was on hand to block the youngster's effort.
The 22 year-old was undeterred and came out for the second half with the bit between his teeth. Soon after, he had the ball in the back of the net.
His lovely, curling effort looked to be heading wide before coming back inside the post, whipping round Boaz Myhill and nestling into the far corner.
United then seemed to drift out of the game and were lucky not to be pegged back when Saido Berahino missed tthe target completely with a diving header at point blank range.
That scare injected more impetus into the home side and the win was wrapped up when, after Anthony Martial was fouled inside the visitors' penalty area, Juan Mata wrapped up the points.
How did we rate the performances at Old Trafford? Take a look at our ratings to find out...
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