In one sense, United have not missed Ferdinand, increasing their run of consecutive Premier League clean sheets to 10 in his absence. This win made it a record-breaking 11 - they have not conceded in the league since November 8.
However, with Jonny Evans injured along with first-choice left-back Patrice Evra and twins Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Ferdinand’s return saved Sir Alex Ferguson from having to play central midfielder Darren Fletcher at right-back and Gary Neville in the centre.
West Brom started positively - the consequence of a run that saw them threaten to climb out of the relegation zone.
Gianni Zuiverloon saw a goalbound shot stopped by Michael Carrick after he collected a weak Edwin van der Sar punch. Then Jay Simpson robbed Neville on the West Brom left and jinked inside, but his shot was deflected wide by Ferdinand.
Marc-Antoine Fortune proved a thorn in United’s side, but his finishing could not match his pace and he failed to convert any of his three half-chances. United gradually exerted greater control over the game, and made the telling breakthrough midway through the first half.
Neville threw in to Ryan Giggs, who in turn found Berbatov. The Bulgarian played a give-and-go to Michael Carrick, collected the return pass and slotted underneath Carson from an angle on the right side.
The Baggies continued to show signs of life, particularly through Fortune, but the five minutes leading up to half-time effectively extinguished their chances.
Robinson and Ji-Sung Park both attacked a loose ball and the West Brom defender slid in with such force that his momentum carried his trailing leg painfully into Park’s midriff.
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