Brown Ideye played the last ten minutes as the Baggies repeated last season’s performance to inflict a third straight Premier League defeat on Manchester United.
The Nigerian striker got off the bench to replace Berahino in the 80th mimute but could not add to his goal tally of the season as West Brom defended their lead stubbornly in the closing stages of the encounter.
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| Photo Credit: BBC |
Ideye’s compatriot and West Brom teammate, Victor Anichebe was an unused substitute.
Tony Pulis’ side got the all-important winning goal in the second half of the encounter when Chris Brunt‘s free-kick deflected in off team-mate Jonas Olsson.
Manchester United dominated possession from start to finish and even had a Robin Van Persie penalty saved late on as Boaz MyHill guessed right and dived to his left to keep out the Dutch striker’s effort.
Manchester United boss, Van Gaal was not impressed with West Brom’s style of play.
“We knew in advance that they’d park the bus, we have to deal with that.
“In the second half we had enough chances – you have to finish. It’s now the third match we have lost in a row. We have to take care of that. It’s very difficult.”
However, West Brom manager Tony Pulis was full of praises for his team, after recording his first ever win over Manchester United as a manager, having previously lost 10 and drawn one.
“You need to be organised, resilient and have a bit of luck. We had that in abundance. “It takes a lot of work and commitment from the players – 90 per cent of it is dealing with people off the ball.”
Pulis believed no penalty should have been given against his side and was relieved to see his goalkeeper make the save.
“I don’t think it was a penalty. The referee was 60 yards away the linesman was 10 yards away and gives a corner, so I don’t know how that happens.”
It was the first time since December 2001 that Manchester United have lost three Premier League games in a row. The Red Devils have also not scored a goal in their last three matches, the first time that would happen in eight years.
The win ensures West Brom will end the season with at least 40 points, a traditional safe mark for any team trying to avoid relegation.
The win lifts West Brom to 13th on the EPL table.