Manchester United welcomed West Bromwich Albion to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon looking to keep their top-four bid alive.
Man United had the better of what was a quiet first 45 minutes, but the two teams headed down the tunnel at 0-0.
It was a similar story in the second half as the home side continued to press, but a rearguard masterclass from West Brom saw the Baggies leave with a point.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
2.01pmAfternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome West Bromwich Albion. The home side need to win as they bid to stay in touch with the top four entering a busy April, but West Brom have actually been victorious in two of their last three Premier League trips to Old Trafford. Be sure to stay tuned for all of the action from Manchester!
2.04pmThis afternoon will be the 130th meeting between Man United and West Brom in all competitions. Man United lead the head-to-head record 55 wins to West Brom's 43, but it has been an open fixture in recent seasons. Indeed, as mentioned, the Baggies have won on two of their last three league trips to Old Trafford – following a 2-1 victory in September 2013 with a 1-0 win in May 2015.
2.07pmMan United did record a 2-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last season, however, and were also winners by the same scoreline when they visited the Hawthorns in the league in December 2016. Both teams were impressive in 3-1 victories before the international break, meanwhile, with Man United comfortable away to Middlesbrough and West Brom beating troubled Arsenal at home.
2.10pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Old Trafford. Both of these sides had a number of players in action during the recent international break, and both managers lost players to injury. So, who starts here? Let's run through the two XIs...
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2.13pmTEAMS!
UNITED: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Young; Carrick, Fellaini; Mkhitaryan, Lingard, Martial; Rashford
WEST BROM: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Livermore, Fletcher; Brunt, Chadli, McClean; Robson-Kanu
2.16pmSo there we have it. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera both miss out for Man United through suspension, while England duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones picked up 'long-term injuries' during the recent international break. Paul Pogba also misses out with a hamstring problem, while Juan Mata has been forced to undergo groin surgery. There are starts for Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, however, and 20-year-old midfielder Matthew Willock has made the first-team squad for the first time. Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Wayne Rooney are also on the bench for Jose Mourinho's side here.
2.19pmAs for West Brom, Matty Philips remains on the sidelines, but experienced centre-back Gareth McAuley has recovered from a foot problem suffered on international duty for Northern Ireland. James Morrison is also back in the squad after missing the Arsenal game with an ankle injury, while there is a change up front as Hal Robson-Kanu, who scored against Arsenal, replaces Salomon Rondon.
2.22pmThe two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Manchester. I shall speak about the away side a little bit later, but let's start with Man United. The Red Devils moved out of sixth spot with a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough last time out, but they are now five points off the top four after Liverpool moved into third position - above Manchester City in the process - with a 3-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby, which finished a few moments ago.
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2.25pmFourteen wins, 10 draws and three defeats have brought Man United 52 Premier League points this season, which has left them two points above sixth-place Arsenal as things stand. Chelsea are absolutely breezing to the Premier League title, but five teams are battling for the three Champions League positions behind the Blues, and the race for the top four is still very much open at this stage.
2.28pmMan United's unbeaten run in the Premier League now stands at 18 matches and goes back to that 4-0 defeat at Chelsea in October. It seems incredible that they have gone on such an impressive run without breaching the top four, but there have been too many draws, especially at Old Trafford, where they have shared the points in seven of their 14 league matches and scored just 20 times.
2.32pmIndeed, Stoke, Burnley, West Ham, Hull and Bournemouth are among those that have taken a point from Old Trafford this season, and three of Man United's last four home league games have finished level. They have only lost once on home soil this season though and that came back in September against Manchester City in what was their first league defeat of the campaign.
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2.35pmIn terms of what is ahead for Man United, April is shaping up to be an absolutely horrific month in terms of matches. Mourinho's side will play at least nine times in April, including a two-legged Europa League quarter-final with Belgian side Anderlecht. The month also includes league games against Everton, Chelsea and Man City, while they still have a trip to Southampton to fit in, although that is expected to take place in May depending on whether they reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
2.38pmAs for West Brom, the Baggies will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 win over struggling Arsenal before the international break. The victory over the Gunners actually followed back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Everton, and another impressive season to date has left them in eighth position in the table – seven points clear of ninth-place Stoke on the same number of games.
2.42pmWest Brom have actually lost 10 Premier League games this season, but they have recorded 12 wins – just two fewer than Man United. They have also scored 39 times, which is a decent record in relation to the teams around them. A push for the top seven does look difficult for the Baggies in the final weeks of the season, but they are very comfortable in eighth as things stand.
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2.45pmWest Brom have also scored more goals from defenders (12) than any other Premier League team this season. Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson - who both start this afternoon - have been among the goals this term, and that avenue could prove important in this particular match. As mentioned, the Baggies will have no fear after winning on two of their last three Premier League visits to Old Trafford.
2.48pmTony Pulis's side have only won three of their 14 away Premier League matches this season, however, and scored just 12 times on the road, which is among the poorest records in the division. They have also failed to score in three of their last five Premier League games at Old Trafford, but as discussed above, Man United have struggled to find their best form on home soil this term.
2.52pm
Willock and Tuanzebe warming up together #mufc pic.twitter.com/z2oWBEh5Zz
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) April 1, 2017
2.55pmPREDICTION! I have a feeling that this is going to be a very tough match for Man United. West Brom have not exactly been brilliant on the road this season, but the home side are missing a number of key players this afternoon. That said, I am backing the Red Devils to grind out a 2-1 win.
2.58pmHere we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period at Old Trafford. Man United are currently five points off fourth-place Man City in the Premier League table, and therefore only a win will do this afternoon. Let's hope for an entertaining game!
0 minKICKOFF! Man United kick things off on home soil...
2 min... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. West Brom have already had the chance to put their foot on the ball at Old Trafford, and the visitors will fancy their chances of causing problems on the counter-attack. It should be an open game here.
4 minIt is very much a 4-2-3-1 formation for Man United this afternoon, with Rashford operating through the middle. Neither team has really been able to settle in the opening four minutes, although the hosts are just starting to see more of the ball. The first goal could be absolutely massive in this one.
6 minFirst sign of Martial down the left for Man United, but the Frenchman is just squeezed out at the final moment and West Brom can resume with a throw inside their own half of the field. We are still waiting for the first meaningful attack of the match with six minutes on the clock at Old Trafford.
8 minThe referee has been a little picky in the last few minutes as he stops the play following a couple of challenges, which were slightly late but should have been allowed to slide. Man United continue to build from a deep position, but they are finding it difficult to breach West Brom's back-line at the moment.
10 minWell, 10 minutes on the clock and in truth, not too much has happened. As expected, Man United are having more of the ball, but neither goalkeeper has had a save to make in the early exchanges.
11 minLingard fires one over the crossbar after a loose ball had found the England international in a wide position. Might have done better there after controlling inside the West Brom box.
14 minDecent possession for West Brom in the last few minutes as they look to work the ball into a dangerous position, but the cross from Chadli is straight into the arms of De Gea. Fellaini and Carrick are both very deep for the home side, which is allowing those ahead of them to break.
15 minYoung's weak volley is straight at Foster after Martial had challenged Dawson at the far post.
17 minPass, pass, pass from Man United as they look to work the ball into the West Brom box, but the visitors are so strong in defensive areas, and continue to clear their lines. Martial is the latest player to swing a ball into the Baggies box, only for Evans to rise and clear down the field.
18 minFellaini is penalised for handball - a harsh one at that - as Man United have a decent chance inside the Baggies box. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock inside a noisy Old Trafford here.
20 minMartial runs at the West Brom defence before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his low effort is deflected just wide of the far post. Better tempo from the home side at the moment.
22 minNot an awful lot going forward for West Brom at the moment, but they are coping pretty well with everything that Man United are threatening in the final third. Referee Mike Dean is not endearing himself to the home supporters, however, as he continues to whistle for every slight touch.
24 minRashford has not really been able to get in the game thus far, with West Brom's powerful and experienced defence making it extremely difficult for the England international to find space.
26 minCHANCE! First real chance for Man United as Lingard finds space in a wide position before curling an excellent cross into the West Brom box, but there are no takers.
28 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Fellaini heads dangerously into the West Brom box, but the away side manage to clear their lines once again. The pressure is increasing from Man United.
29 minRashford looks to curl one into the top corner, but his effort was always wide of the post.
30 minCHANCE! Super chance for Man United as Valencia's cross finds Martial at the far post, but the attacker's header drops just wide of Foster's post. Really should have scored!
33 minWest Brom have had absolutely nothing going forward in this match, but it would be so like Man United at home this season if they failed to score and then conceded on the counter-attack. The home side are having all of the possession and half-chances, but the score remains goalless here.
34 minThe visitors have a free kick in a dangerous position as Rojo fells Robson-Kanu...
34 min... Young does well to block Brunt's powerful effort.
36 minLittle under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and it is still goalless at Old Trafford. To be honest, it has been a pretty poor game up until this point. The better chances have fallen to Man United, but there has not really been a serious opportunity apart from that Martial header, which was wide.
38 minWest Brom are just too cute at the back this afternoon as they continue to use all of their experience to close off the runs of Rashford, who has not had a sniff of a chance in the opening 38 minutes of this match. Mourinho is cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines at the moment.
40 minMartial finds some space inside the away side's box after smart work from Fellaini, but the attacker's effort is blocked high into the air, and Foster is on hand to claim. West Brom are also just starting to win some free kicks in forward positions as they look to threaten from a set piece.
42 minBrunt delivers into the Man United box, but De Gea is on hand to collect as Man United survive what could have been a very difficult moment. Not long left in the first period of this clash.
43 minBOOKING! Rojo (Man United) is booked for chopping Robson-Kanu to the deck.
44 minSmart defending from Fellaini as the Belgian clears another free kick into the Man United box.
45 min+1We are into the one minute of added time at the end of the first period.
45 min+2HALF-TIME: Man United 0-0 West Brom
3.47pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. To be honest, it has been a pretty dire affair at Old Trafford. Man United have had the better of the limited chances, but West Brom did not manage a single attempt on target in the first 45 minutes.
3.52pmSTATISTICS! Man United dominated the first-half possession with 75%, but despite having nine attempts, clear chances have been few and far between. The home side's best opportunity fell to Martial, but the Frenchman's close-range header was wide of the post. As for West Brom, the visitors only managed one attempt in the first half. Not a classic Premier League affair so far!
3.57pmBENCH WATCH! Injuries and suspensions have harmed Man United's squad this afternoon, but Wayne Rooney is on the bench for the 20-time English champions. The only other attacking option is 20-year-old Matthew Willock, who could make his debut this afternoon. As for West Brom, fit-again James Morrison is an option for Pulis, while leading scorer Rondon is also in reserve.
46 minRESTART! West Brom resume the action at Old Trafford...
47 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here. Jose Mourinho had a face like absolute thunder as he took his spot on the bench after the break.
47 minBOOKING! Nyom (West Brom) is booked for a rash challenge on Carrick.
48 minHalf-chance for the home side as Martial is released inside the West Brom box, but McAuley is back to make a brilliant challenge at the final moment. Good tempo at the start of the second period.
50 minYou just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this afternoon. West Brom continue to sit deep as they look to keep out Man United, who are on the front foot.
52 minHalf-chance for West Brom this time as Dawson cuts a low cross into Fletcher, who has all sorts of space inside the Man United box, but the Scot's effort is blocked and Man United clear behind.
54 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Fellaini to send the home side ahead as Mkhitaryan's blocked effort falls for the Belgian inside the box, but he sends his effort wide of the post!
56 minWest Brom are just not interested in pressing forward in this match as the visitors continue to sit deep and absorb the pressure. It is a tactic that Man United are used to facing at Old Trafford, but they have been unable to find the answer in the opening 56 minutes. Still goalless here.
57 minCLOSE! Martial's powerful effort is just wide of the far post!
58 minWEST BROM SUB! Morrison replaces McClean for the away side.
61 minLittle under 30 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford, and West Brom continue to frustrate Man United, who have to win in order to keep their top-four hopes alive. It will be interesting to see whether Rooney is introduced in the next few minutes. Surely a change is needed for the home side.
63 minRashford just has not been in this game, with the visitors managing to control the England international with their experience at the back. Martial has been the pick of Man United's players.
65 minLittle over 25 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford, and the home side are still searching for the first goal of the afternoon. Martial delivers a high cross towards Fellaini, but Brunt is on hand to clear behind as the pressure continues. Still a lot of football to be played this afternoon.
67 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Mkhitaryan breaks into the West Brom box after a defensive mistake, but Foster comes out to smother the Armenian!
67 minWEST BROM SUB! Yacob replaces Chadli for the away side.
69 minAll one-way traffic as Man United continue to force the issue, but West Brom are sitting back and closing the space, while it is a very defensive midfield now with Fletcher moving to the right.
70 minWEST BROM SUB! Rondon replaces Robson-Kanu for the away side.
71 minSAVE! Brilliant save from Foster to keep out Rashford's powerful strike!
72 minRooney is about to enter the frame for Man United here.
74 minYou still get the feeling that there is a goal in this match, and it would surely be enough to secure all three points. Rooney will be on the next time that the ball goes out of play at Old Trafford.
75 minBrilliant defending from Rojo to keep out Rondon in a one-on-one situation.
75 minMAN UNITED SUB! Rooney replaces Mkhitaryan for the home side.
77 minCHANCE! Young's low cross is just turned wide of the West Brom goal by Evans!
79 minBailly and Rondon clash and it looks like an elbow might have been thrown, but the referee is across to defuse the situation and play continues. Little over 10 minutes remaining here.
81 minRooney looks to find Martial inside the West Brom box after a good run from the latter, but Evans is across to make the challenge and the visitors actually win a free kick as more time is wasted.
83 minThe visitors continue to clear their lines under pressure from Man United, which has been the story of this entire match. Still time for the home side to find something late on at Old Trafford though.
85 minWest Brom are just not interested in attacking in this match as they continue to resist the pressure from Man United. It has been a defensive masterclass from the Baggies, and Man United have been unable to find the answer as we enter the final five minutes. Is something going to give late on?
86 minCROSSBAR! Fletcher hits one from distance and De Gea fumbles the ball in the air, leading to the crossbar coming to the goalkeeper's rescue. Goof grief what happened there.
87 minBOOKING! Livermore (West Brom) is booked for a foul on Young.
88 minSAVE! Foster tips Rashford's free kick over the crossbar!
90 minWe are about to enter the first of four additional minutes here.
90 min+2Possession for Man United, but not too much else in the final minutes here.
90 min+4Time is almost up, and it looks like more home frustration for Man United.
90 min+5FULL-TIME: Man United 0-0 West Brom
4.55pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with West Brom holding Man United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford. More home frustration for Mourinho's side this afternoon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!
