Manchester United will be looking to keep the momentum going when they welcome doomed West Bromwich Albion to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Red Devils are riding the crest of a wave thanks to last weekend’s remarkable 3-2 comeback victory at Manchester City, thus denying the “noisy neighbours” a historic title win. This represented a fifth-top-flight triumph in a row as Jose Mourinho’s men look to strengthen their grip on second place, plus build confidence for a tilt at a 13th FA Cup.
With the Baggies marooned at the bottom of the standings, another victory should follow.
WHICH UNITED WILL TURN UP?
This season has not provided hope of Mourinho’s vaunted ‘second-season syndrome’ repeating itself since nemesis Pep Guardiola disappeared into the distance from October.
But belief grows that the good times will soon return.
A current tally of 71 points represent the best haul of the largely miserable post-Sir Alex Ferguson era – and there are still six fixtures to fulfil.
‘The Special One’ needs more statement displays to cement his standing. He certainly got this in the second half at Etihad Stadium, after the incompetence of the opening 45 minutes.
West Brom now provide an excellent opportunity to put a team to the sword. United have scored 12 times in their last five league games, yet haven’t run up a four-goal haul since November.
A classic @PremierLeague comeback last weekend has secured Jose Mourinho and #MUFC the @LMA_Managers Performance of the Week award! 👏 pic.twitter.com/3EUrLA4ea9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 13, 2018
LUKAKU’S PUNCHING BAGG
A match against West Brom will always have special meaning for the centre forward.
The grateful Lukaku has declared previously his loan spell there for 2012/13 “made him a man”. For their part, the Baggies were rewarded with 17 strikes in 38 games after rescuing a hulking teenager from the wilderness at Chelsea.
That included a hat-trick as the Baggies came back from 3-0 and 5-2 down to remarkably pull out a 5-5 draw against United in Fergie’s final match in charge on the last day of the season five years ago.
The £75 million (Dh392.7m) pound signing has a funny way to show gratitude. He’s been involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in his last eight league games against them, including the opener in December’s 2-1 win at The Hawthorns.
SANCHEZ IS STARTING TO STIR
Alexis Sanchez has been a joy to behold for United in the last fortnight.
The exasperating figure who lost the ball 42 times during last month’s Champions League humiliation at home to Sevilla got two wonderful assists against City and finished with characteristic precision versus Brighton to end an eight-game goal drought.
These performances have shown why the Chile forward was so coveted by City and induced United to shatter their wage structure.
This run should continue against the Baggies who are winless in their last 15 Premier League away games.
32 - Alexis Sanchez has lost possession of the ball more often today than any Manchester United player has in any Premier League game this season. Loose.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 3, 2018