Manchester United 2 West Bromwich 0: Five things we learned as Jesse Lingard fires Red Devils to win

Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling continue to impress for the Red Devils, James McClean doesn't wear a poppy and Old Trafford faithful call for a more attacking philosophy

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Jesse Lingard provides light relief

No matter how strong the discontent might be around a football club, nothing appeases a fanbase more than seeing an academy product shine.

Following an impressive display against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night, 22-year-old Jesse Lingard continued his rapid development with a neat curled strike to send Manchester United on their way. Juan Mata then chipped in before the end to convert a penalty, after Gareth McAuley had been sent off for West Bromwich, but the youngster will rightfully steal the headlines

Chris Brunt's clearance fell straight to him on the outskirts of the visitors' box, but there was still plenty of work to do. Taking the ball and gliding it around an outstretched Boaz Myhill, it was a calm finish – perfectly placed in the far corner.

Chris Smalling is like a new player

While the relentless flow of stalemates have frustrated United fans, it must come as some consolation that goals aren’t going in at the other end. Having not conceded in more than 500 minutes, things are going right in defence at least.

Having a world class goalkeeper in David de Gea helps, of course, but so does Chris Smalling, perhaps the most improved centre-back in the Premier League this season.

His metamorphosis from liability to reliable lieutenant general will surely be rewarded with a 21st cap when England travel to Alicante to play Spain in an international friendly next weekend.

While Wayne Rooney can feel Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane breathing down his neck for a starting berth in the national side, Smalling is increasingly becoming peerless at the back for Louis van Gaal’s men.

Salomon Rondon wrestles for possession with Daley Blind (Getty Images)

Salomon Rondon marshalled out of the game

After joining West Bromwich in the summer for a club record £12m amid concerns Saido Berahino would leave for White Hart Lane, Salomon Rondon has endeared himself to the Baggies faithful.

With a unique blend of raw power and relentless endeavour, the 26-year-old Venezuelan international faced perhaps his sternest test since joining at the Black Country club from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

With Smalling and Daley Blind, the former’s makeshift defensive partner, performing so admirably, it was always going to be a potentially frustrating afternoon.

The manner in which he slid in late on Smalling in the 61st minute, picking up a caution for his troubles, perfectly summed up his match. Industrious and overly zealous until the very last, however, the former Malaga and Rubin Kazan striker didn’t give up in the face of adversity.

Attack, attack, attack!

Having drawn blanks against rivals Manchester City, Middlesborough and Crystal Palace, the slender victory against CSKA in midweek offered United supporters with the faintest glimmer of hope for more goals to come.

It’s becoming a phenomenon entwined with the modern era at Old Trafford for the home faithful to plead with their manager to attack. Judging by the first half performance, those calls have fallen on deaf ears. While things improved after the break, champagne football is still off the menu.

Despite Rooney finally finding the net on Tuesday night, the England captain’s first attempt of this afternoon appeared to set the tone. Flying high and wide of Myhill’s crossbar, it was soon followed by Michael Carrick hitting the corner flag – from 25 yards out - moments later.

The first shot on target, Anthony Martial’s fierce drive straight at the Baggies goalkeeper, came in the 43rd minute as United lethargically dragged their heels once again. So it fell to Lingard, on loan at Derby County last season, to offer an answer to the plethora of questions on Van Gaal's mind.

James McClean before the match at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

James McClean refuses to wear a poppy again

Republic of Ireland international James McClean again refused to wear a shirt emblazoned with the Royal Legion poppy, the only player on the pitch not to do so.

A minute’s silence was held prior to kick-off, impeccably observed at Old Trafford, in memory of British service men and women who have lost their lives whilst serving their country. The Irishman grew up in Derry, where 13 civilian protesters were shot dead by British soldiers during Bloody Sunday in 1972.

People say I am being disrespectful but don’t ask why I choose not to wear it.

&#13; <p>James McClean</p>&#13;

Writing in the West Brom programme last weekend, he said: “We are coming up to Remembrance Day and I won’t wear a poppy on my shirt.

“People say I am being disrespectful but don’t ask why I choose not to wear it. If the poppy was simply about World War One and Two victims alone, I'd wear it without a problem.

“I would wear it every day of the year if that was the thing but it doesn't, it stands for all the conflicts that Britain has been involved in. Because of the history where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that.”