Sam Allardyce’s Baggies return to The Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon (ko 2pm) for their latest Premier League clash. Title-chasing Manchester United are the visitors to B71 on Valentine's Day.
Man Utd
Their last time out
Man Utd maintained their pursuit of silverware after beating West Ham 1-0 in the Emirates FA Cup in their last outing.
Scott McTominay’s strike in extra-time was enough to see the Red Devils progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. And United will visit the Black Country in high spirits after extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to four games.
In the dugout
Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be determined to help United finish in the top-two for the first time during his tenure.
After guiding the Reds to a sixth and third-placed finish in his first two seasons respectively, Solskjær’s side currently sit in second spot ahead of the latest round of Premier League fixtures. But the Norwegian will be keen for his players to displace their Manchester rivals in top spot, with their last title coming in 2013.
The United boss enjoyed the excitement of a Champions League run shortly after taking over on a temporary basis in December 2018. He led them to the quarter-finals thanks to a last-gasp win over PSG, and won 14 of his first 19 games in charge. As a result, Solskjær was rewarded with the job permanently on a three-year deal.
Despite not lifting any silverware during the 2018/19 season, the 47-year-old guided United to a third-placed finish the following season - a feat which had only been achieved twice since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils also reached three semi-finals under Solskjær last year; the EFL Cup and FA Cup, as well as the Europa League. And having won 12 pieces of silverware during his days as a Manchester United player, Ole will be aiming to seal his first accolade as manager at Old Trafford this term.
One to watch
Bruno Fernandes has been influential in Manchester United’s impressive start to the season.
The Portuguese midfielder, who moved to Old Trafford in January 2020, made an instant impact during his first campaign at the club. Fernandes won consecutive Player of the Month awards, becoming the first United player to do so since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006.
In addition, the 26-year-old was named the club’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for 2020. And Fernandes has lifted his standards further this term, recording an impressive 22 goal involvements (13 goals, nine assists) in 23 Premier League matches.
Fernandes’ penalty proved to be the difference in the reverse fixture back in November 2020, and the Baggies will be focused on keeping United’s key attacking outlet quiet on Sunday.
Our last meeting
Albion’s last home triumph over United came courtesy of Salomon Rondon's strike, which secured a 1-0 win in March 2016.
But one of the Premier League’s greatest spectacles unfolded between the two sides in May 2013. Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game as United boss saw the Baggies come from behind to secure a thrilling 5-5 draw at The Hawthorns.
☑️ Sir Alex Ferguson's final match
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) February 11, 2021
☑️ @RomeluLukaku9 hat-trick
☑️ Ten goals
☑️ An unbelievable comeback
One of the most 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 games the @premierleague has ever seen 🍿🙌#WBAMUN | #WBA pic.twitter.com/gc3R3B4wHo
Stats
Albion
- Albion have failed to score in just one of their last three Premier League games.
- The Baggies have scored in three of their last four home games against United.
- Sam Allardyce’s last managerial win over the Red Devils came in February 2016 - leading Sunderland to a 2-1 home win.
Man Utd
- United have failed to score in two of their last three away league games.
- Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes have both scored in each of their last two PL matches.
- United have lost just one of their last five trips to The Hawthorns.
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draw | Man Utd wins | |
| League | 41 | 29 | 55 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| League Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 44 | 32 | 57 |
Our one to watch
After getting his first taste of the Premier League against Tottenham, Okay Yokuslu will be pushing to make his first Baggies start against United.
The Turkey international came off the bench during last Sunday’s defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, playing his first 12 minutes in Albion stripes.
And with boss Sam Allardyce demanding a strong defensive display on Sunday, holding midfielder Yokuslu will be eager to help Albion achieve that against Solskjær’s men.
Read all about it
We have another action-packed Albion News for you to look forward to ahead of United’s visit to The Hawthorns on Sunday.
Kyle Bartley headlines this week’s edition, as he discusses the importance of clean sheets, confidence and a positive display against Man Utd in order to create momentum going into games against Burnley, Brighton and Newcastle after Sunday.
Robert Snodgrass and Conor Townsend also feature as they aim to rise to the challenge this weekend, and Academy graduate Zak Brown provides an intriguing story on his family background and Albion ambitions.
You can secure your edition for the United game here.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.
Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.
The game is also available to watch on Sky Sports.