Man United Player Ratings vs Watford: Here’s how the Red Devils fared
Manchester United beat Watford 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday at Vicarage Road thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling.
Lukaku and Smalling scored within a span of three minutes for United, who ended Watford’s attempt to win their opening five games of the season for the first time. Lukaku struck his fourth Premier League goal of the season in the 35th minute before Smalling volleyed home from close range.
The Red Devils pushed forward after the break but could not stretch the lead to three as Andre Gray got Watford back into the game in the 65th minute.
Abdoulaye Doucoure tested David De Gea from long range before the United goalkeeper saved an excellent Christian Kabasele header in the 94th minute after Nemanja Matic was sent off for a second yellow card.
However, United held on to three priceless points at Vicarage Road.
Manchester United player ratings
David De Gea – 9/10
De Gea produced a fine save to deny Watford skipper Troy Deeney at 0-0. He once again came to his team’s rescue with an incredible stoppage-time save.
Antonio Valencia – 6/10
Valencia showed plenty of energy down the right but lacked defensive diligence. He was caught out of position a number of times and Watford’s goal came from his side.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
Smalling endured some nervy moments in the first half but settled down slowly. He defended very well throughout the game and finished the half-volley with aplomb.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
Lindelof did very well and stuck to his task well. Was composed in possession too.
Ashley Young- 7/10
His free-kick and corner led to the breakthrough goals. Was caught out of position at times but overall, it was a solid display from Young.
Marouane Fellaini – 7/10
A solid show from Fellaini, who once again started as a part of the midfield trio. He was instrumental in meeting Young’s set-pieces, which produced United’s goals.
Paul Pogba – 5/10
Pogba could have had two goals in the first half, only for Foster to deny him. However, he was poor after the break as his passing was wayward and he lacked the energy in the closing stages of the game.
Nemanja Matic – 5/10
Matic did his job well as he kept United ticking with his passing. A silly challenge in the stoppage-time saw him get the marching orders.
Jesse Lingard – 5/10
Lingard showed plenty of energy and picked up the pockets of spaces behind the defenders. However, he failed to influence the game.
Alexis Sanchez – 5/10
Sanchez started brightly but as the game wore on, he faded. Another frustrating outing for the Chilean.
Romelu Lukaku – 8/10
Lukaku smartly opened the scoring with a deft touch. He led the line very well, keeping the Watford defenders on their toes.
Substitutes
Anthony Martial – 4/10
Came on for Lingard and brought freshness to the attack. However, he lacked the cutting edge.
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Scott McTominay – 4/10
Came on for Sanchez and didn’t do anything notable.
Eric Bailly – N/A
Didn’t have enough time to make a mark.