The Red Devils started to get a 4-1 mauling at the Etihad Stadium out of their system in midweek as they edged out another of their fiercest rivals, Liverpool, in a Capital One Cup clash.
David Moyes will, however, be aware of the need to offer a positive response in the league - especially in front of an expectant Old Trafford fan base.
It has been a testing start for the Scot, in his first season as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor, but the schedule would appear - on paper at least - to be a little more favourable over the coming weeks.
The same cannot said for West Brom, who will face United, Arsenal and Liverpool before the end of October.
Steve Clarke could do without such a run, but can take comfort from the fact that a first victory of the season was secured last time out against Sunderland - at the fifth time of asking.
Building on that result is the challenge facing the Baggies, but a record which has seen them go 35 years without success at Old Trafford does not bode well.
David Moyes's side suffered a heavy defeat to local rivals Manchester City last Sunday, although they did secure a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the League Cup on Wednesday evening.
Wednesday night's 1-0 win over Liverpool eased the pressure on David Moyes slightly and his team can go into Saturday's clash with West Brom in reasonably optimistic mood.
The start of the season has been far from perfect, but the difficult run of fixtures is over and there can be no more excuses. Manchester United now have a winnable sequence of league games and it is crucial they take as many points as they can during this period, beginning on the weekend.
Moyes made eight changes to the team that was torn apart by Manchester City.
His changes responded with a positive performance in the Capital One Cup, deservedly winning the game after some spells of genuinely excellent football, a rare treat this season. It will be interesting to see what side the manager opts for on Saturday afternoon.
West Brom come into the match off the back of a penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal in the same competition.
Moyes has no new injury concerns and may be tempted to hand a start to Javier Hernandez, who scored the winning goal against Liverpool.
Midfielders Shinji Kagawa and Nani are also in contention to start, while striker Robin van Persie may miss the match as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke is expected to recall goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and midfielder Manuel Amalfitano after both were rested against Arsenal.
Man Utd: De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Valencia, Kagawa, Nani; Rooney
West Brom: Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Morrison, Sinclair, Sessegnon; Anelka
