IT NEEDED two deflections for Albion to be defeated by the champions.

That’s not bad going.

A wayward Ashley Young shot touched Gabriel Tamas, struck Steven Reid and undid Albion’s hard work.

They were worthy of so much more. A positive performance enhanced Albion’s reputation as a team which brings energy, adventure but also resilience.

Worse performances will yield better results. And Albion’s potential record signing Shane Long also offered an early suggestion that he can bring more joy to the Baggies fans.

An energetic, hard-working display was topped by a goal on his debut.

Peter Odemwingie, sat in the stand injured, will have noted the finish and might, just might, take on board that Albion is a decent option for his mid-to-long term future.

Yet Albion had it all to do after falling behind to a Wayne Rooney goal.

It was a nervy start for Albion. A deft touch by Rooney in the second minute was only half-cleared by Tamas. Young latched onto the loose ball but could only send his looping shot high and wide.

Somen Tchoyi was a handful for United early on and Albion detected a weakness in keeper David De Gea. Paul Scharner spotted the Spaniard off his line and tried his luck with a 30-yard effort. It rose high to De Gea’s right but it was worth an effort.

Inevitably, United’s quality crept in. In the 13th minute, Rooney exchanged passes with Ashley Young and drove a low shot through Gabriel Tamas’ legs and past Ben Foster.

It was brilliantly executed though not the prettiest goal for Albion to concede defensively.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were energetic and incisive. But their occasional venturing from the centre gave hope to Albion’s midfielders, who did their best to exploit the space in front of United’s back four.

Long got his first sniff in the 27th minute. The striker was presented with space and time on the edge of the area but screwed his shot over.