Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged a brace as Manchester United ended West Bromwich Albion’s three-game winning run at the Hawthorns on Saturday night.
The Baggies had beaten Burnley, Watford and Swansea City in their last three home matches, but Tony Pulis’s men never looked like continuing their hot-streak after falling behind inside five minutes when Zlatan Ibrahimovic nodded home following incredible work from Jesse Lingard down the right flank.
United quickly took control of the match, playing it at their pace and dominating possession.
Captain Wayne Rooney, looking refreshing sharp and confident, then went close to doubling the lead midway through the first half with a fine shot that rattled the crossbar.
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Rooney was involved again when United eventually did make it 2-0 just before the hour. He set up Ibrahimovic, who drilled home via a slight deflection.
No United player had a bad game. In fact, even Matteo Darmian, who has been frequently criticised this season, put in an impressive shift.
Damian made eight interceptions – more than any other player – and looked composed on the ball, providing two key passes.
West Brom player ratings
Foster 6, Dawson 5, McAuley 6, Olsson 6, Myom 6, Yacob 7, Fletcher 6, Brunt 7, Chadli 5, Phillips 6, Rondon 5.
Man Utd player ratings
De Gea 6, Valencia 7, Jones 7, Rojo 8, Darmian 8, Carrick 7, Herrera 7, Pogba 7, Rooney 8, Lingard 7, Ibrahimovic 9.