Five Things We Learned – United at West Brom

4) Rooney looks sharp

For all the drama of last season revolving around United’s star man, a good Summer break and a fresh start seems to have done Wayne Rooney some good, looking to get off to a strong start and getting off on the right foot by getting on the scoresheet with a clever finish from Ashley Young’s pass. In fact, Rooney’s flick on to let Young through to provide the assist involved great vision in itself, but then to take a step forward as he received the ball just outside the box to put a low shot past Ben Foster will have put a smile on Ferguson’s face, knowing that his prized asset is looking sharp for the new season. With a new head of hair (to a degree) and a skinnier look, fans will be hoping he continues in the same vein and provides plenty of goals for the rest of the season. Over the course of the game he provided a constant threat, linking up well with Young although may have been disappointed that his sides only shot on target was that of the goal itself, especially given the possession that United enjoyed early on.

5) Ashley Young – Man of the Match

On his Premier League debut it was Ashley Young who provided the best performance, showing he has adapted well to life at Old Trafford and made the right step up at the right time for his career. Out on the left many attacks seemed to go through him coming in and attempting to put in crosses. His free kicks were a source of danger and his smart play meant play was rarely wasted when he was on the ball, playing appropriate passes rather than take the selfish route and creating space for himself with slick moves that made up for what some may see as a slight lack of pace compared to some. It was this smart play that opened up space for Rooney’s flick that led to his assist for the opening goal, as well as his ability to get past and create danger when charging in to the box. A deserved man of the match award and one hopes that this is the start of a successful career in United colours.

A good start to the season at a tough West Brom side that have been rejuvenated by Roy Hodgson, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy to come away with a victory when other rivals have dropped points. Although there are some concerns regarding injury and the goalkeeping situation, there is also plenty to be positive about and allow fans to be hopeful that come the end of the season, they will be looking at competing for and potentially winning yet more silverware, and it seems this includes one Phil Neville, seen in the stands at the United end, clearly still a true Red despite plying his trade at Everton.