Just when everyone thought that Manchester United’s woes were behind them and that they would launch an assault on the top four places in the Premier League, they instead slumped to defeat against West Brom.
The Baggies were well worthy of their 1-0 win, but there is no doubt that United contributed massively to their downfall, Juan Mata uncharacteristically getting himself sent off after 26 minutes following two stupid bookings.
Although West Brom struggled to dominate the game as you’d expect from a team with a man advantage, they did eventually secure a priceless win as Salomon Rondon slammed home the winner on 66 minutes.
The Red Devils have now been beaten eight times in the Premier League already this season while it also means they have won just one away league game this calendar year from five attempts.
An inability to secure results on the road could prove extremely costly as United desperately need to gain points if they are to close the gap on the teams ahead of them in the table.
On their last trip away from Old Trafford prior to West Brom, United were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and before that they drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and 3-3 with Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Their only victory on the road was a big one, though, as a Wayne Rooney strike earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool to silence Anfield but that result was secured back in January.
In total, six of United’s eight league defeats have come away from home which is frankly quite a worrying statistic.
Man Utd’s last 6 league defeats:
1-0 vs West Brom
2-1 vs Sunderland
0-1 vs Southampton
2-0 vs Stoke
1-2 vs Norwich
2-1 vs Bournemouth
Aside from Chelsea, United would have fancied their chances to win against all three of West Brom, Sunderland and Newcastle and while they boast a good record against the top clubs, United have struggled against those they would have expected to beat.
Sunday’s result leaves Louis van Gaal’s men rooted in sixth place, three points behind Manchester City in fourth and should they fail to secure a top-four finish it is almost inevitable that the Dutchman will lose his job in the summer.
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