Pravir Singh
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Watford
Manchester United showed great resolve to come away with a 2-1 victory at Vicarage road against Watford. Troy Deeney put the Hornets level with a penalty in the 87th minute however United kept going. It was Schweinsteiger’s effort which was bundled in by the Watford skipped in injury to time to give United the win. It has turned out to be a massive result in terms of the table. With City and Arsenal both losing, United sit second, just a point behind Leicester City. What made the win even more impressive was that with 5 players injured, United had no outright striker playing. Memphis played in front and did a good job, scoring the opener as well.
Player Ratings:
David De Gea- 8
David De Gea was a spectator for the majority of the match but made a few stunning saves when called upon as usual. He made a terrific stop after Abdi’s shot deflected off Smalling and he denied Troy Deeney on a number of occasions.
Ashley Young- 6
Young did a good job going forward, putting in some good crosses. However, he almost cost United a goal when he took too much time on the ball and lost it.
Chris Smalling- 8
Yet another stellar performance from United’s main man this season. Captain due to the absence of Carrick and Wayne Rooney, Smalling absolutely shut down Ighalo. Almost scored a late winner as well through a brilliant flick.
Phil Jones- 6.5
Jones was back partnering Smalling for this game and he did a decent job. Made a number of clearances averting the danger. However, he was taken off injured once again.
Daley Blind- 7
Daley Blind’s passing was great as usual. He started at left-back before being moved to the left-wing back and put in a good performance. He’s surely one of LVG’s most dependable players.
Bastian Schweinteiger– 7
Bastian seemed off the radar initially, but he improved throughout the game. He fought till the end and it was his shot that Deeney took over the line to win it for United.
Morgan Schneiderlin- 6.5
Defended very well once again and made a crucial block to deny an equalizer in the second half.
Juan Mata- 6
Looked good when United were going forward in the first half, however, saw his influence fade as Watford started to threaten in the second half.
Ander Herrera- 6
Put it on a platter for Memphis to open the scoring for United. Unfortunately had to come off with what looked like a hamstring injury.
Jesse Lingard- 6.5
Made some good runs and looked to create things once again. He missed a massive chance to increase United’s lead as his lob was easily gathered by Gomes.
Memphis Depay- 6.5
He put in a much better performance and looked livelier. Opened the scoring for United with a neat finish.
Substitutes:
Marcos Rojo- 5
Came on for Herrera in the first half which instigated a change in the system. However, he looked shaky and nervous. Brought down Ighalo to earn Watford a penalty late in the game.
Paddy McNair- 5.5
Didn’t get on the ball much but looked okay when he did get the chance.
Andreas Pereira- 6
Didn’t influence the game much, however, it was his shot that was parried by Gomes towards Schweinsteiger whose deflected shot led to the winner.
Match Highlights And Reactions
