3 Key Issues That Will Shape Manchester United's Clash with West Brom

Manchester United head to the Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion on Monday night looking for a third straight win.

After two home wins in a row, the international break came at the wrong time for Louis van Gaal's side. United need a win against West Brom, with games against Chelsea and Manchester City to come in the weeks following the clash.

Here's a list of three issues that will shape United's Premier League clash with West Brom. Feel free to use the comments section below to add your own.

United's Defence vs Saido Berahino

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United's defence has looked vulnerable this season, and Saido Berahino has already scored six goals in nine games for West Brom this term.

United will expect to have more of the ball at the Hawthorns, but West Brom will always be dangerous on the break thanks to Berahino's pace.

Since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left Old Trafford, United have lacked a leader at the back. But they'll need to be well organised to stop Alan Irvine's side counter-attacking quickly.

United's Injury List

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Van Gaal revealed at his press conference on Friday that his lengthy injury list is beginning to clear. And that means he might finally be able to field his best XI some time soon.

They won't all be ready to play against West Brom, but with Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Ander Herrera back in training, the Dutchman might be able to find room in his squad for one or two.

United's issue in recent weeks has been losing control of games in the last 20 minutes. It cost them at Leicester and almost did the same against West Ham and Everton.

Having a little more experience in the side at the Hawthorns should go some way to solving that particular problem.

Angel Di Maria

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When United have turned on the style this season, Angel Di Maria has usually been at the centre of it. He's been so good that he's upstaged Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata.

He's also finding the back of the net, scoring three goals in his first five games.

Louis van Gaal has set the team up to give Di Maria licence to do what he wants in United's midfield. And if he's in the mood at the Hawthorns, he'll be very difficult for West Brom to stop.