A deranged Manchester United could only draw 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, placing them second in the Premier League, but seven points behind Manchester City.
West Brom, who need a notable change of course to avoid relegation, surprised their visitors with a goal in the second minute from Senegalese forward Mbaye Diagne on loan from the team, who beat defender Victor Lindelof to return home.
United seemed lethargic for the rest of the half, but their inspiring Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes took the lead once again in the 44th minute with a spectacular volley from near the penalty spot.
Fernandes has now been directly involved in 38 goals in his first 38 Premier League appearances, 22 goals and 16 assists.In a more exciting second half with near-freezing temperatures at The Hawthorns, the Manchester club saw twice cleared shots from the line and there was a penalty appeal rejected after Captain Harry Maguire was mistreated in the area.
Showing a passion lacking in some teammates, Maguire went ahead at every opportunity and nearly beat him to death with a 95-minute header that goalkeeper Sam Johnstone threw to the post.
“It was a great stop for Sam to be fair,” said Maguire in frustration. “We created many opportunities, enough to win the game. We made it difficult for ourselves by conceding the goal. It’s disappointing. Another day we scored two or three goals and it’s another story ”.
Despite surviving waves of attacks, the hosts could have snatched it up with three escapades. Diagne, who arrived from Turkish Galatasaray until the end of the season, came close twice with only David de Gea to beat in United’s goal.
The result left West Brom in the bottom second of the table, 12 points from safety, and coach Sam Allardyce so far failed to ignite his season despite his reputation for great breakaways. Manchester City beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on Saturday to reach 53 points. and has a game in hand over Manchester United and Leicester, third, both with 46.
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She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.