United 2 West Brom 0

Gea's goal.

Only a terrific block from Evans prevented Marc-Antoine Fortune from unleashing a shot deep inside the hosts' area, while Morrison blazed the rebound comfortably over the bar. United's first attempt came from Ashley Young after a weaving run from Welbeck, but the winger's shot was batted away by ex-Red Ben Foster.

It was De Gea who remained the busier of the two goalkeepers in a free-flowing opening to the game, however, and the Spaniard needed to be alert to drop to his right and push Andrews' low, deflected free-kick around the post as the visitors' menace remained.

Roy Hodgson's side, buoyed by successive victories over Wolves, Sunderland and Chelsea, were impressively tenacious; pressing United all over the field, regrouping swiftly in defence and always looking to exploit the Reds' commitment to attack with swift counters of their own.

Welbeck's sharp start to the game made him one of the leading contenders to inspire a breakthrough for United. He powered Young's in-swinging corner over the bar with a back-post header, then released Young with an impudent back-heel. Though the winger reached the ball before the onrushing Foster, Jonas Olsson was on-hand to clear the cross.

Young was again involved in Rooney's first opening of the game. The winger profited on fine industry from Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez