Manchester United fell to their third Premier League defeat in succession for the first time in 14 years as they were edged out 1-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion this evening.
The Red Devils, who have struggled to rediscover their form in recent weeks, looked on top for large parts but were unable to respond to Chris Brunt's heavily-deflected effort, which proved to be the difference at Old Trafford.
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Former United favourite Darren Fletcher had the first real attempt on goal but his half-volley ended up a long way off target, while Ashley Young could only hit Robin van Persie with his effort soon after.
Joleon Lescott headed straight at David de Gea from a corner before Van Persie had a couple of good chances to open the scoring, but he could not find a way through.
His first effort was palmed into the path of Young, who diverted wide, and he could only flick the second into the side-netting after good play down the left again from Young.
Antonio Valencia then started a good attack from right back, pinging in a shot that Boaz Myhill could not handle, but Ander Herrera was only able to blast the ball well over the bar with the rebound.
West Brom continued to defend deep and United found little way of breaking them down.
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Things certainly livened up following the restart, as Wayne Rooney listened to the chants from home supporters and took range with an effort that forced Myhill into a save.
It was United who were asking all of the questions as the half wore on, but the Baggies took the lead somewhat against the run of play through Brunt's deflected free kick. Jonas Olsson is the man who can lay claim to the goal, with his touch taking the ball beyond a stranded De Gea and into the back of the net.
Louis van Gaal responded by bringing on British-record signing Angel Di Maria in place of full-back Daley Blind, and United had the perfect chance to respond as referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot after Saido Berahino was adjudged to have handed the ball inside the box.
Van Persie stepped up to take the penalty on what was his first start since February, but his attempt was well kept out by Myhill.
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The Red Devils continued to plug away in search of an equaliser in the remaining 15 minutes and, if not for a full-stretch stop from Myhill down low to keep out another Van Persie drive, they would have earned a share of the spoils.
Myhill also had to be on guard to tip over Di Maria's shot in the dying stages of the game to help his side over the line, ensuring that West Brom, who themselves had picked up maximum points just once in their previous five outings, claimed back-to-back wins at the Theatre of Dreams to all but secure their Premier League safety.
United, meanwhile, are now just four points ahead of Liverpool in the fourth and final Champions League berth.
Daniel Lewis
