Anthony Martial grabbed a goal and an assist, making a huge statement, as Manchester United beat Walter Mazzarri’s Watford side 2-0 at the Old Trafford on Saturday. The Frenchman has been in and out of the team regularly this season, but gave a timely reminder of his abilities with an extremely influential display on the day.
United have struggled to close out opponents this season and it seemed to be heading towards another frustrating night for Zlatan Ibrahimović and co., as he and Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed good early chances to put their team ahead. Juan Mata then saw a goal disallowed from a free-kick as the referee felt it was taken too quickly. Watford goalkeeper then made some stellar stops to deny Paul Pogba twice, but the home team managed to break the deadlock, after Martial went on a slaloming run down the left-hand side, before cutting the ball back for Mata who tapped in from close range.
And midway through the second half, United made sure of the result, with Martial again cutting in from left to devastating effect, before burying the ball in the back of the net with a low driven shot. Gomes was tested a few more times by Pogba and Mkhitaryan, but he held firm and denied United a victory by a larger margin.
It was an extremely positive display from Jose Mourinho’s men as they kept coming at the Hornets with waves of attacks, one after the other and rightly came out with three points from the game. Let’s assess how each player fared on the day:
David De Gea – 7/10
Made a few smart stops from efforts by Mauro Zarate in the first-half and was again alert to the occasion late in the second period when Watford looked to threaten, making some good saves. Deserved the clean sheet.
Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Powerful and relentless down the right-hand side, ran up and down with so much intent and energy. Was always involved in the attacks for United and was a major issue of concern for the Hornets.
Eric Bailly – 7/10
Battled with Troy Deeney for much of the game and came out on top in the duel with much ease. Marshalled the backline well and kicked off a few attacks as well from the back.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
Another improved display from the captain of the day for United. Dealt well with Deeney and Zarate for most of the game and put in an assured performance. Looks to be enjoying playing alongside Bailly.
Daley Blind – 6/10
Didn’t get as much forward as Valencia on the flanks, but chose his moments wisely. Was a useful outlet on the left-side, but was beaten for pace on two occasions by M’Baye Niang, leading to chances for Watford.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
Did not have a lot to do in the defensive sense with United controlling much of the game. Kept it ticking in the midfield with his impressive passing and drew an applause from his manager on a particular tackle. Solid and reliable in the two-man midfield.
Paul Pogba – 7/10
Broke up play, got on the end of loose balls, got forward well and picked out his teammates in good positions. He himself had a go at the goal and forced a few good saves from Gomes on either side of the half-time.
Juan Mata – 8/10
A constant thorn for the Watford defence. Always asked questions with his late movement and intelligence off the ball. Got into a great position to score the opener for United.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7/10
Missed a great opportunity to put his team ahead in the first period. But grew into the game as time passed and was nearly impossible for the Hornets’ defence to pick up. Should have had a goal if not for Gomes in the Watford goal. Looked much more threatening playing through the middle.
Anthony Martial – 9/10
A magnificent performance by the Frenchman. Took on the Watford defenders and beat them for fun throughout the game. Did well to set up Mata for the opener and took his goal very well in the second half. SENSATIONAL.
Zlatan Ibrahimović – 7/10
The Swede’s scoring boots were missing on the night as he struggled to get on the end of many chances and as a result, grew frustrated. However, linked up well with his teammates and was always involved in everything positive for United and his hold-up play was top-notch. Assisted Martial for United’s second.
Substitutes
Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Replaced Mata in the 72nd minute and helped shore things up in the middle.
Marcus Rashford – NA
Came on for Martial in the 82nd minute. Looked threatening.
Jesse Lingard – NA
Replaced Mkhitaryan with a minute of normal time left to play.