Manchester United suffered their third successive Premier League defeat by losing 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

Chris Brunt's deflected free kick on 63 minutes was enough to give the Baggies back-to-back wins at United for the first time since 1968 and 1969.

Robin van Persie could have salvaged at least a point for the hosts, but the Dutch striker saw his 74th-minute penalty saved by Boaz Myhill.

Here, Sports Mole sorts the heroes from the villains in United's nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Goal

David de Gea: Could do nothing about the goal by virtue of the wicked deflection that altered the direction of the ball, and had precious little else to do. (5/10)

Defence

Antonio Valencia: Got forward all evening, but his final ball was lacking on occasion. (5/10)

Chris Smalling: Solid enough from the centre-back. All the action happened down the other end. (6/10)

Paddy McNair: The Northern Irishman was booked and conceded the free kick that led to the decisive goal. (4/10)

Daley Blind: Hauled off on 64 minutes for Di Maria, but did venture down West Brom's right side regularly. Shaw's energy at left-back was missing. (6/10)

Midfield

Ander Herrera: Produced a performance that made the doubters value Michael Carrick's presence. Very little influence from the base of the Red Devils' midfield. (4/10)

Wayne Rooney: Tried the Hollywood pass once too often, regularly losing possession with it. Ineffective from midfield again. (5/10)

Marouane Fellaini: Very little impact as either a midfielder in the first half or a striker in the second period. Fortunately for him, he probably will not find himself up front again for a while. (4/10)

Ashley Young: Arguably their most dangerous player, but could have perhaps done better with a chance in the first half that he hesitated on. (6/10)

Juan Mata: Fizzed in a couple of dangerous deliveries, but West Brom were equal to every single one of them. Seemed to run out of ideas after the first half. (5/10)

Attack

Robin van Persie: Missed the pivotal chance of the game when his penalty was saved by Myhill. United's best player in the first half, but found himself ineffective when Van Gaal made him drop deeper. (5/10)

Substitutes

Angel Di Maria: The Argentine's lack of appetite seems to become more apparent with each passing game. Saw plenty of the ball in his 25-minute cameo, but did precious little with it despite a stinging shot late on. (3/10)

Radamel Falcao: Only had six minutes to make an impact and understandably couldn't. Should have been given longer. (5/10)

Goal

Boaz Myhill: Made a host of impressive saves in both halves; not least the penalty save from Van Persie. Huge factor in the victory. (8/10)

Defence

Craig Dawson: Epitomised the collective determination and hunger running through West Brom today with one moment in particular. Struggled occasionally with Young, but coped far better with Di Maria. (7/10)

Jonas Olsson: May be credited with the winning goal, but still a sterling defensive performance regardless if Brunt is favoured by the dubious goals panel. (7/10)

Gareth McAuley: Constantly thwarted the Red Devils with last-ditch blocks in a performance that will give the Baggies hierarchy food for thought over renewing his contract. (8/10)

Joleon Lescott: West Brom's only real goal threat in the first half, and was exceptional in defence throughout - though may have had a penalty awarded against him on another night. (7/10)

Chris Brunt: Potentially the match-winner, but it was his tireless work at the other end that will earn him the most plaudits after he helped to combat Mata and Valencia so effectively.(7/10)

Midfield

Claudio Yacob: Sat in midfield well to combat Rooney and Van Persie, whilst also matching Fellaini physically in the first half. (7/10)

Youssouf Mulumbu: Decent contribution to midfield in his first game back following a three-match suspension. (6/10)

Darren Fletcher: Excelled on his return to Old Trafford in what was one of the pre-game subplots. (6/10)

Craig Gardner: Fizzed in some fantastic deliveries from corners, but Mulumbu and Lescott failed to convert them past De Gea. (6/10)

Attack

Saido Berahino: More or less a passenger throughout, having seen very little of the ball in either half. Subbed on 80 minutes. (5/10)

Substitutes

Chris Baird: Helped solidify an already watertight defence. Knew his job and did it well. Good cameo. (7/10)

Brown Ideye: Held the ball up better than Berahino and used it better too. (6/10)

Written by
Shane Callaghan