Watford 1-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings
Manchester United battled to a 2-1 win over Watford on Saturday, with a handful of stand-out performers.
Manchester United scored a dramatic stoppage time winner to grab all three points in an entertaining contest against Watford.
Memphis Depay returned to the starting lineup and shone in a forward role while Morgan Schneiderlin and Chris Smalling put in commanding performances in midfield and defence respectively to ensure the Reds ran out winners at Vicarage Road.
Starting Eleven:
The Spaniard was relatively untested in the first half with United dominating possession. Called into action in the next 45 with Watford emerging from the tunnel all guns blazing. Sublime stop to deny Deeney and another world-class save from Abdi’s deflected shot to deny Watford an equalizer.. GK. Manchester United. DAVID DE GEA. 8
6. Returned to Vicarage Road for the first time since he left the club but disappointed in a full back and later in a wing back role. Tried too hard to make an impact and was left wanting for large periods of the game. Defending was solid, if somewhat inconsistent while his delivery from the wings was impressive.. RB. Manchester United. ASHLEY YOUNG
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PHIL JONES. 7. Partnered Smalling at the back and was more than a capable deputy to his English counterpart. Stood up to Deeney’s physical threat well and won nearly all of his aerial duels with the Watford attackers. United looked a little shaky the moment he came off the pitch.. CB. Manchester United
CHRIS SMALLING. 7.5. Another excellent display by the Englishman, kept the in-form Ighalo in his pocket for most of the game and dealt with the pace and physicality of the Watford attack effectively. Nearly got on the scoresheet late in the game with an effort from a corner in the dying minutes.. CB. Manchester United
United’s utility man, deployed at left back in this game was sturdy if not spectacular. Gave the side balance and his balls from deep were typically excellent. Played Lingard in for a golden opportunity which the youngster should have buried.. LB. Manchester United. DALEY BLIND. 6.5
8.5. Outstanding display by the Frenchman who won nearly every ball in midfield and snuffed out several Watford attacks before they could build up a head of steam. Faded a bit in the second but still made some crucial blocks in his own box to ensure United came away with a victory.. CM. Manchester United. MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN
Manchester United. BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER. 8. The former Bayern Munich man was imperious in midfield and dictated United’s play. Controlled the tempo of the game, frustrating Watford for large periods of the match. Was in the right place at the right time to force a Deeney own goal which gave the Reds the winner.. CM
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6.5. Didn’t have the best of days with the Spaniard struggling to impose himself on the game. Found himself pockets of space and his passing was tidy but lacked the killer ball to split the Watford defence. Not his best outing in a United shirt.. RM. Manchester United. JUAN MATA
6.5. Recycled the ball effectively and his cross to Memphis for the opener was inch perfect. Unfortunately had to come off in the 25th minute due to a hamstring injury.. CAM. Manchester United. ANDER HERRERA
7. Played as the last man ahead for United and looked dangerous on the break. His energy direct running provided plenty of problem for the Watford defence but his finishing let him down. Should have buried a chance to give United a two goal cushion but his lob was poor.. LM. Manchester United. JESSE LINGARD
8. After being frozen out of the first team picture since October, brought back in and deployed as a forward due to the injury crisis. The Dutchman responded to his manager’s calls with a bang, opening the scoring with a sublime volley in the 11th minute. His pace and dynamism was key in United’s attacks and was a constant menace buzzing around the Watford box. Very impressive display by the youngster.. FWD. Manchester United. MEMPHIS DEPAY
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Substitutes:
CB. Manchester United. MARCOS ROJO. 5.5. Came on for Herrera with United reverting to a three-man defence. The Argentine had a decent game until a completely reckless challenge in the box on Ighalo gifted Watford a penalty and potentially a point.
6. Replaced Jones just when Watford started pressing for an equalizer. Slotted into the defence well and brought the ball out of his own half to clear the danger for United at times. Solid cameo from the youngster.. CB. Manchester United. PADDY MCNAIR
ANDREAS PEREIRA. 6. Brought on in the final 10 minutes for Mata to provide a fresh set of legs for United who looked to protect their lead. With Watford on a wave of momentum, didn’t have the time or space to impact the game.. CAM. Manchester United