Manchester United’s Luke Shaw was shrugged off easily by Graham Dorrans for West Brom’s first goal at The Hawthorns. Photograph: Rui Vieira/AP

United remain miles off level required for tilt at the title

Victory here would have catapulted United into the title reckoning, according to Louis van Gaal. This flaccid performance not only made even the briefest mention of finishing top look hugely premature, but a look at the fixture list – Chelsea and Manchester City are up next – means such talk should not be uttered for a long time to come. If their defensive frailties are easily highlighted by perceived lesser players, then the likes of Diego Costa and Sergio Agüero must relish the chances which could fall their way.

Irvine turns the Hawthorns into a formidable fortress

Manchester United have always enjoyed going to The Hawthorns but West Bromwich have become a far more imposing proposition at home this season under Alan Irvine. They drew nine times at home last season but there was something different about last night. This was a performance which exuded confidence. The 30-year wait for victory over United at home goes on but positives could be taken despite the late equaliser.

Fellaini displays his strengths to galvanise initial fightback

It would be wrong to proclaim this was the night Marouane Fellaini finally arrived for United, but it was unquestionably his most positive performance for the club. In the first half Van Gaal, left, engaged in a frank exchange with the Belgian on the bench, like a headteacher telling off a misbehaving pupil. Whatever was said had the desired effect on him initially. For a side shorn of physicality, Fellaini’s 1.94m frame was a welcome tonic.

Berahino brilliant but Albion’s star man was Sessègnon

Praise has justifiably been heaped on Saido Berahino this season – and if he keeps performing to this standard it will only be a matter of time before he departs to one of the big-hitters. However, it is also time for Stéphane Sessègnon’s growing influence to be flagged. The delightful finish for the opening goal aside, his subtle link-up play was a delight to watch. All he needs is a touch more consistency and West Brom should enjoy a season comfortably ensconced in mid-table, away from any threat of a relegation fight.

Questions raised over Shaw’s flaky positioning sense

Luke Shaw may forever be judged by his hyper-inflated price tag but he will have done himself no favours with a performance which, at times, bordered on awful. Not only was he sold softly by Graham Dorrans on the halfway line for Sessègnon’s goal, he was also continuously caught out of position, allowing both Albion players in behind too often. Ángel di María, for all his attacking ability, will never provide much protection but Shaw often got the basics wrong. His wayward crossing posed further questions.

Alan Smith

source: theguardian.com