West Brom v Manchester United: Inside track on the Red Devils

We spoke with Dominic Booth, from the Manchester Evening News, to get an expert take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

See what he had to say here...

We're past the half way stage this season now, how would you rate the season for Manchester United so far?

I think if you were putting a mark on it you'd probably say 7/10.

I think they've surpassed expectations in the league so far, talk of a title challenge is probably beyond what anyone expected.

That's been the overarching message of the season, but it hasn't all been positive.

They started the season very poorly and there have been issues over the home form, there have sometimes been issues at the back - so I think it['s been a progressive season.

The Champions League exit in the group stages was poor, but they're still in other cup competitions, so it's been a decent season, one of progression I would say.

We saw United slip up against Sheffield United recently, do you think that's given the side a warning that facing teams in the relegation zone is no sure thing?

Yeah, I think it could be a tough game.

United had the game against Fulham as well where they just won 2-1, one away at Burnley too where they just won 1-0 - both through long range Paul Pogba goals, and he's not going to be there this weekend.

I think it's a warning for United, they need to be doing more to break down these teams and giving themselves an easier ride really.

Are there any injury issues heading into the game on Sunday?

Pogba is out and Eric Bailly will be doubtful, United's defence tends to be better when he's there, so it'll be interesting to see if he's available or not.

Victor Lindelof has received some criticism for his performances at the back and obviously it would be Bailly and Maguire if Vindelof wasn't picked.

So there's some concern over the defence in general.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side sit second in the table right now, do you think that the team can mount a sustained push for the title in the second half of the season?

It's probably too soon, I think what we've seen recently from them has shown that.

For a time it looked like it could be a proper challenge, but that was probably because of the weaknesses of other sides and now City have really kicked on and are looking really strong. I think they're probably going to be too much for United to catch.

I think United can finish second actually, I think second or third - as close to the top as they can.

What's your predicted XI?

De Gea; Wan Bisakka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Mctominay, Fernandes; Rashford, Cavani, Greenwood.

What have you made of Albion from afar? Do you think relegation beckons now?

I do, to be honest.

I didn't particularly like the Allardyce appointment from afar, I thought it was very harsh on Slaven Bilic, he obviously got you guys promotion and seems to be a popular guy.

I think Sheffield United are almost certainly down, of the current bottom three now I think Fulham have the best chance of getting out, but obviously time is ticking for all of those sides.

Your match prediction?

I think United will win but I'm not sure if it will be too comfortable.

2-1 United.

You can follow Dom on Twitter here.