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Manchester United vs. West Brom preview: 5 key factors

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace at the Hawthorns on February 27, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley – AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace at the Hawthorns on February 27, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley – AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images) /

2. Saido Berahino’s resurgence

West Brom striker Saido Berahino has started to emerge from his season-long performance coma as of late. He’s not firing on all cylinders as of yet, but he’s shown signs of regaining his lost form over the past several outings.

Manchester United will need to work hard to make sure his resurgence doesn’t continue at their expense. Berahino may not be fully fit, but he is capable of causing real damages in short bursts of time. United would be well served to make sure he has to expend a great deal of energy in defense so he can’t burn fuel on the offensive side of the pitch.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. We’ve already detailed United’s selection dilemma at the centre back position, so Berahino is going to have some opportunities to hurt them. His ability to cash in the chance or two that he gets on the counter attack could go a long way towards determining a match winner.

Berahino and Tony Pulis may argue like an old married couple, but he’s still the best striker at the Hawthorns. He could do a lot to rehabilitate his reputation with his manager, and his fan base, by scoring a goal or two against United on Sunday.

Next: 1. The Marcus Rashford phenomenon

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