Manchester United vs. West Brom: 4 Pointers for the Rest of the Season

How often have they done this? Another late, late win for Manchester United and a winning start to their title defence. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool already playing catch up. United do one thing that its rivals seem not able to: grind out results.

As we wait for the first home win of this Premier League opening weekend, here are a few pointers from United's first game of the season for you to ponder.

Shane Long Will Be the Signing of the Season

Roy Hodgson has to be credited for what I reckon will prove to be one of the best value-for-money transfer deals done by a Premier League club this summer.

In an age in which £20 million can change hands with barely an eyebrow being raised, to pay less than £7 million for Shane Long is a stroke of genius. 

West Brom have the luxury of two very good strikers now.

Long and Peter Odemwingie together will be lethal, and fans of the Baggies will be hoping for a season spent comfortably away from the relegation zone.

David de Gea Needs to Start Performing

First impressions usually last long, and Manchester United keeper David de Gea isn't doing himself any help with two mistakes in two games, both resulting in goals being conceded.

The No. 1 jersey at a big club like Manchester United brings along its share of pressure and de Gea must soon adapt to it. 

He is only 20 years old and will learn from his mistakes. But the fans, and media especially, are not a patient lot, and calls for his head will be more than a whisper if he doesn't show signs of improvement.

Tom Cleverly Is a Star in the Making

Yes, knee-jerk reaction. One and a half games—is that enough for a full judgment? Sometimes it is.

Cool under pressure, an assured touch and a good sense of passing, Tom Cleverly has all the qualities of a world-class player. Add to this the quality of his teammates, from whom he will be learning so much this season, you just cannot ignore the fact that Cleverly is a future England star in the making.  

Wayne Rooney Will Score More Than 20 Goals This Season

He's got that look about him—that deadly, lethal look.

While many United fans still haven't forgiven him for "money-gate" last year, they know that if they are to defend their title this season, Wayne Rooney's contribution will be of paramount importance. And it will be. Off and running for the season already, bring Rooney into your fantasy teams. You surely wont be disappointed.