Roy Hodgson’s comments will worry Manchester United
Manchester United could only manage a goalless draw against Watford at Old Trafford, dropping further points in the Premier League, as they look to finish in the top four. Roy Hodgson’s side are sitting at 19th right now and are not a side that the Red Devils should be struggling to get past, with the amount of quality that they have going forward. But on this occasion, they just could not get the ball in the back of the net.
It was not a great performance from the forward department, as has been the case often in recent times.
There were quite a few chances when they could have put Manchester United ahead but could not take them. And ultimately, it was another disappointing result for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
Some of Hodgson’s comments after the match should be especially worrying for Manchester United players, coaches as well as the fans. While speaking with Watford’s official website, the manager said:
"“They had quite a lot of the ball around our area, but they didn’t create a myriad of chances, although Ben Foster dealt with the best of what they did carve out.”"
The 74-year-old Watford manager also said:
"“I wasn’t thinking they were going to score every time they had the ball.”"
Hodgson further added:
"“We always thought if we could defend as well as we did, we might get a chance or two.”"
Hodgson’s comments should be a worry for Manchester United
These comments just go on to show that even clubs in the relegation zone are coming to Old Trafford with the belief that they can get a result against Manchester United. A decade or so back, that surely was not the case. Hodgson will remember those days.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United have struggled a lot and simply lost the fear factor that they once possessed.
But even then, one would expect them to be heavy favourites against relegation-fighting teams. But one cannot say that with complete conviction, after how things have gone for them in some recent games.
Even last season, Manchester United were looking much better than they are doing this time around. And they just need to get their mojo back, as we enter the business end of the season.