Manchester United beat West Brom 2-0 in EPL

The Dutchman came off the bench to score his 14th Premier League goal of the season to confirm the win after a number of smart saves from Ben Foster thwarted his side.

London: Manchester United saw off a tame West Brom side 2-0 to maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Gareth McAuley’s poor defensive clearance was diverted past Ben Foster to give the hosts the lead on nine minutes, with second-half substitute Robin van Persie wrapping up the win at the death. Danny Welbeck replaced the Dutchman in United’s starting line-up, while Shinji Kagawa returned to action for the first time since October after recovering from a knee injury. The recently recalled loanee midfielder George Thorne was handed only his second-ever league start for West Brom in one of seven changes by Steve Clarke. With United conceding the first goal in 11 of their 19 Premier League games this season, Sir Alex Ferguson would have been relieved to be afforded a helping hand after just nine minutes when McAuley diverted Ashley Young’s drive across goal through the legs of his own goalkeeper to give the league leaders an early lead. The hosts were dominating proceedings, with the own goal only serving to add further confidence to a slick first-half display but Sir Alex will have been cursing his side’s luck after seeing his men twice thwarted when in good positions. First, Foster showed great reactions to tip Young’s fierce drive from 16 yards onto the crossbar and away before, from the resulting corner, Michael Carrick`s low, side-footed shot was punted off the line with the goalkeeper beaten to keep the deficit down to just one goal at the half-time break. West Brom started the second period with a renewed passion after a largely anonymous opening 45 minutes, with Chris Brunt combining well with Shane Long and Billy Jones before testing David de Gea from 30 yards. Graham Dorrans then went close, attempting to take advantage of panic in the United area following a badly defended free kick from deep, but Nemanja Vidic threw his body in the way of the ball to divert the danger. United were evidently getting nervous, and retreating from their thoroughly attack-minded first-half display, while the away side were cautious to pile too many forward and leave themselves vulnerable on the counterattack. This hesitance resulted in sporadic chances in a less-vibrant second half for the home side then their showing before the break, as the visitors grew in confidence. Goal.com