Manchester United-West Brom Preview

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United revolution continues with Monday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

United (3-2-2) endured a headline-grabbing string of poor results at the start of the season, but steadied the ship with back-to-back Premier League wins prior to last week's international break.

Star summer signings Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria have played a big role in United's improvement in recent weeks, with Van Gaal appearing to settle on a 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond to accommodate his squad's star players.

A glance at United's head-to-head against Monday's hosts would suggest Van Gaal's winning run is set to continue. The Red Devils have visited the Hawthorns eight times in the Premier League era, winning seven and drawing the other. Of the 16 overall EPL meetings between the two, West Brom (2-2-3) have conceded 61 goals while posting a 1-3-12 mark. However, the Baggies' lone win against United came at Old Trafford last season with a shock 2-1 win, and Van Gaal is fully aware how tough a test the Midlanders will pose.

"I think West Brom are very difficult to beat, especially at their home," the United manager said. "They play not only long balls but they also play a positional game. They are dangerous opponents. But no opponent in the Premier League is easy to beat.

"We have to start with a victory after the international break because we have won the last two games, but West Brom did that too so they also want to win the match. It won't be easy."

West Brom striker Saido Berahino scored the winner for the Baggies at Old Trafford last season, and the young England striker will be the big threat to United again on Monday. The fleet-footed forward tucked home a penalty in his last club game - a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool - to take his season's tally up to five in seven games, while his first-leg winner also helped England's under-21 side qualify for next summer's European Championship with a 4-2 aggregate win over Croatia last week.

"Saido is going in the right direction for us and for England," West Brom boss Alan Irvine said. "I'm delighted with what he does here, Gareth is delighted with what he is doing for Under-21s and if he keeps looking after himself he will keep developing.

"He does extra training every day. Wednesday was one of the few days he didn't because we actually sent him off - he was chased off the pitch! Like any player nowadays he knows how he should do things to get the most benefit on and off the pitch. They are his choices so the person who deserves the most credit for the way he is going at the moment, is himself."

Irvine may be able to recall West Brom captain Chris Brunt and lively striker Brown Ideye after groin and ankle injuries respectively, but Silvestre Varela (groin) is likely to remain on the sidelines.

Manchester United's injury crisis is easing, with Ander Herrera (rib), Chris Smalling (hip), Ashley Young (groin), Phil Jones (hamstring) and Michael Carrick (ankle) all back in full training. However, centre-backs Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair are struggling to be fit, while Antonio Valencia (hamstring) and captain Wayne Rooney (suspension) will also miss the game.