Manchester United vs West Brom preview: Louis van Gaal squares up to Old Trafford boo boys in Baggies clash

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Louis van Gaal: As Anthony Martial was brought off on Tuesday night the boos rang out around Old Trafford. Whilst admittedly tetchy and nervous, the win enabled the Dutchman to fight another day. Anything other than a win this weekend will be met with continued disgruntlement that van Gaal could do without.

Best stat…

10/15: The amount of points West Brom have taken off United in their last five Premier League meetings. The Baggies have won their last two away games against United and clearly relish the opportunity to frustrate the home side.

Remember when…

The two sides played out a 5-5 draw in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final ever match. A Romelu Lukaku hat trick helped West Brom to overcome a 5-2 deficit to draw the game. It was perhaps one of the most un-Fergusonlike performances ever seen but undoubtedly one of the most memorable ones.

Player to watch…

José Salomón Rondón: The exquisitely named Venezuelan has leapt like a salmon and scored two headed goals in his last two league games. The 26 year old has already played for six different clubs in his career. With his newest he has found a partnership with Saido Berahino that may bear fruit on Saturday.

Past three meetings…

Manchester United 0 West Brom 1 (Olsson)
Barclays Premier League, May 2015

West Brom 2 (Sessegnon, Berahino) 2 Manchester United 2 (Fellaini, Blind)
Barclays Premier League, October 2015

West Brom 0 Manchester United 3 (Jones, Rooney, Welbeck)
Barclays Premier League, March 2014

Form guide…

Manchester United: WWLWDD

West Bromwich Albion: WLLWWL

Vital Information…

Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday, 7th November

TV: Highlights from 11pm, Saturday BBC1