So United up against it, and West Brom immediately go on the attack! Craig Dawson sends an instinctive shot dipping just wide of the post from 25 yards. 

Robbie Savage
Former Leicester City midfielder at the Hawthorns

“I’ve got to say that the first booking from Mata was absolutely stupid. But I think that one is harsh. Mata half pulls out of the challenge and Fletcher goes in for it.

“Mike Dean was in a great position but was so quick to get that second yellow out. A lot would say it was a second yellow but I think he was pulling out of that challenge.”

Well, well, well. This is a real collector's item - a Juan Mata red card, and after 25 minutes no less. You have to say he can't have any complaints - just two minutes after picking up his first yellow, he cynically trips Darren Fletcher and referee Mike Dean has no choice but to send him for an early bath.

Image source, Getty Images

Do Tony Pulis and Louis van Gaal know something about the left-side of each other's defence that we don't?

Both gaffers appear to have instructed their players to attack down that flank. Albion's right-sided pair Craig Dawson and Stephane Sessegnon have been at the heart of their brighter attacking play, while United pair Matteo Darmian and Jesse Lingard have been charging forward at every opportunity on the opposite side.

Image source, Opta

Juan Mata deliberately blocks a quickly taken free kick, without having retreated five yards, and that's a clear booking.

The hosts are coming on strong here. They win another free kick in a good position, Gardner curls it to the back post and Gareth McAuley sends a header across the face of goal, inches wide of the far post.

Image source, Reuters

Robbie Savage
Former Leicester City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

"United's best option is to get the ball out wide and then get balls in across the box, because they are very rigid and very disciplined this West Brom side."

Dangerous ball in from Gardner but Martial turns it behind. West Brom coming into this...

Image source, Getty Images

Ouch! Daley Blind with a high foot and Saido Berahino takes a boot to the face. Tell you what, that was only inches outside the area - good position for West Brom...

Chance! Craig Dawson pumps the ball into the air, Craig Gardner makes a good forward run and flicks a header back into the path of Saido Berahino,who strikes his shot sweetly, but Chris Smalling is there with a vital block.

A first moment of alarm for the returning Chris Smalling, as Saido Berahino hares after a channel ball. Smalling just about gets his toe to it first.

Manchester United have enjoyed plenty of the ball in these opening exchanges, particularly out wide as they look to stretch Albion.

As you can see from the respective heat maps below, the Red Devils (right) have been looking to heavily utilise left-back Marcos Rojo and right-winger Jesse Lingard in the opening 10 minutes.

Image source, Opta

Keep your thoughts coming in on 81111

That run of four wins in all competitions looks like it's done Manchester United the power of good. The footballing equivalent of chicken soup. They've started in fine fettle here, passing the ball around with real confidence, probing, waiting for that opening in the West Brom defence. Tony Pulis prowls the touchlines anxiously...

Image source, Getty Images

And now Dawson gets in on the action at the other end! Whipped in by Salomon Rondon, Dawson climbing all over Martial like a stepladder, but the referee sees nothing wrong and Dawson bullets a header over the bar.

Image source, Reuters

Juan Mata makes a good run and plays in Anthony Martial, but Craig Dawson does really well to hold the Frenchman up and the attack fizzles out. United very much on top in the early skirmishes though.

Image source, Getty Images

It's worked short to Matteo Darmian, who pumps it into the mixer, but Jonas Olsson gets a thumping header on it. Away!

A lovely pass from Ander Herrera to Jesse Lingard switches play - United have settled in well here, spraying the ball around confidently and with both full-backs bombing on. After a good spell of possession, Lingard wins a corner...

Anthony Martial turns sharply 25 yards out and unloads the first shot of the match, but it's comfortably clutched by Ben Foster.

Craig Gardner pumps it long for Berahino to chase, but Daley Blind tidies up nicely.