Billy Gilmour put in a man of the match performance in what could be his last game in an Albion shirt amid transfer rumours.

The midfielder proved dogged in defence and shows sparks of his dribbling prowess as Albion continued their winning ways through Joao Pedro’s late winner.

Gilmour will be pleased with his performance regardless of whether he graces the Amex pitch again or not. He is linked with a late transfer to Napoli as deadline day looms.

Playing in his usual role, Gilmour dropped in front of Van Hecke and Dunk to form a narrow back three while the full backs and midfield partner James Milner roamed upfield in attack.

He provided deeper options for Albion shortly before an early chance from Joao Pedro.

Setting up a chance out wide, Gilmour’s long, searching ball played Minteh in behind United full back Diogo Dalot before the chance was eventually shut down.

Gilmour’s defensive skills later came into play in the middle of the first half as his skilled dribbling helped him to escape a close United press and keep possession.

And after Welbeck’s goal he took a slightly more attacking role, making the occasional searching run in attack to help Albion press the advantage.

Continuing in the same role after the break, Gilmour continued to provide defensive cover to help Albion push forward with confidence.

As Amad Diallo threatened to add a second goal after his equaliser, Gilmour sprinted back to fill in for Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman and quash a threatening position for United.

With Carlos Baleba coming on for Milner, Gilmour switched to play a more interchangeable role in midfield, pressing up further where required.

The midfielder left the field to rapturous applause as he was replaced by Yasin Ayari in a late raft of changes which helped to secure a first home win for Fabian Huerzeler.

Gilmour’s performance comes amid rumours that he could be on his way out of the UK in a potential move to Napoli.

Sources in Naples expect Gilmour in Italy on Monday for a medical with the Serie A club but Huerzeler said he expected the midfielder to still be at the club come the end of the transfer window.

Albion fans will hope that Gilmour remains in the squad in September.