Juan Mata’s first-half red-card was eerily similar to Chris Smalling’s dismissal against Manchester City last season and in the end it played a part in the eventual result.
United will see the defeat as a major setback in their renewed pursuit for Champions League qualification with Van Gaal labelling it a ‘big blow’, and it now once again looks as if winning the Europa League is the most likely route back into the premier competition next season.
Here are four things we learned from United’s defeat.
1) Van Gaal tinkers too often
Van Gaal’s changes were a mixed bag. Understandably Memphis Depay was rested with Jesse Lingard suspended for Thursday’s trip to Anfield, yet the decision to withdraw both Guillermo Varela and Morgan Schneiderlin made little sense.
It almost seemed like making changes for the sake of it.
Varela has added a totally different dimension to United’s play of late and his running from a full-back position would have penned Albion but as it was Darmian’s less energetic style exposed United.
Schneiderlin was a miss in front of the back four with Michael Carrick again looking his age.
Marcos Rojo is getting back to his best (Picture: Getty Images)
2) Rojo is nearing his best
Marcos Rojo is getting back to full fitness and his footballing ability is shining through.
Admittedly Albion didn’t truly test him down the right flank, but he looked confident on the ball and managed to help Daley Blind out of a number of scrapes.
It is no surprise he is statistically one of United’s better performing defenders and a good option for the upcoming cup ties.
3) Smalling is moving past his mid-winter dip in form
Smalling was United’s best player against the Baggies. He dealt well with the interchanging partnership of Salomon Rondon and Saido Berahino and held his own in the aerial matchups.
Smalling’s form since Christmas has been a worry and there is some justification in saying the injury picked up at Shrewsbury and more importantly the subsequent break from first-team action has actually been a blessing in disguise.
Smalling played like he had in many of the early matches this season and a good run of form from now until June will secure his place in England’s best XI at the European Championships.
4) Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford can be a good partnership
Rashford has been the obvious highlight of United’s recent youthful turn, however, the standard he is bringing out of his teammates has also been impressive.
Lingard is perhaps the best example with the fellow academy graduate forming a strong connection with Rashford.
The 23-year-old has struggled for consistency this season but has put in some of his best performances this term with Rashford in the side.
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