Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Brace Sinks Reserved Baggies As United Close In On Top 4

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Manchester United made it four wins in a row with an assured victory at the Hawthorns, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s double helping them reel in the top four, 90min reports.

West Brom were hoping to move to within a point of Manchester United in the Premier League table with victory at a stadium in which they had been scoring at will.

United were looking to put pressure on the top four, though the best of circumstances would leave them thirteen points behind leaders Chelsea.

An early penalty appeal came for United, as Jesse Lingard went down too easily under Allan Nyom’s challenge. However, the advantage came quickly afterwards anyway when Lingard’s lovely first-time cross was nodded in by Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an early lead. The quality of Lingard’s cross was almost matched by Antonio Valencia’s long ball to him.

West Brom were painfully narrow, which was allowing United to take a grip over the game. Lingard was lively again, providing a pass to Wayne Rooney in the penalty area. The striker was only denied his landmark Sir Bobby Charlton-equalling goal by the crossbar.

Ibrahimovic leapt into a wild shoulder barge, and many Baggies fans were heard calling for a red card. The referee gave a yellow, which was probably fair – but players have been sent off for similar offences.

A brighter West Brom started to enjoy a little more success down Matteo Darmian’s left flank, though Marcos Rojo dealt well with most threats. United’s first shot in a while was a golden opportunity; Jesse Lingard blazed over with plenty of time to control his effort one-on-one.

The winger had been the best player on the pitch though, especially in the early goings of the match. The half-time whistle blew with United deservedly in front.

United settled in well at the start of the second half, and Rooney and Ibrahimovic combined well on the left. Zlatan flicked the ball between two defenders before unleashing a deflected shot into the bottom corner to double United’s lead.

A strange incident involving Salomon Rondon and Marcos Rojo developed, with a slap and push from the Venezuelan. Yellows were handed to both.

Marcus Rashford was brought on for United, and James Morrison joined the action for the Baggies. West Brom had remained disappointing, not even challenging David de Gea. United, for their part, were looking like top four challengers.

The away side were happy to sit back and let West Brom frustrate themselves trying to break through, though there was time for Chris Brunt to bodycheck Rashford for a yellow.

Full time was called. Ibrahimovic and Lingard were the highlights in a professional Red Devils performance.