Will goals flow once more for Manchester United against West Brom – or did Champions League win just paper over cracks?
Louis van Gaal says Premier League is a tougher challenge than other leagues
Wayne Rooney’s goal saw Manchester United reassert themselves in Europe in mid-week but anything less than a comfortable win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday will leave Louis van Gaal facing fresh questions.
Rooney’s late goal against CSKA Moscow, which lifted him level with Denis Law as United’s second-highest ever goalscorer, took Van Gaal’s side to the top of Group B in the Champions League.
Rooney’s header – his 237th United goal – avoided a fourth successive goalless draw for the first time in the club’s history.
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It also papered over a few cracks United manager Van Gaal must hope won’t be reopened against West Brom at Old Trafford in United’s final Premier League game before the international break.
United played positively against the Russian league leaders but still lacked a genuine cutting edge, through either pace or guile, and the impatience of the supporters will be again be evident if the goals don’t flow against Tony Pulis’ defence-minded team.
United have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games and van Gaal admits that getting his philosophy for winning football to work on a consistent basis is proving a challenge.