Manchester United vs Watford FC: Player Ratings

Manchester United defeated Watford FC 2-0 in their latest Premier League encounter, which was a tough affair, but ended up being a routine win for the Red Devils on their home turf.

Juan Mata scored in the first half while Anthony Martial added a second in the next 45 minutes to extend United’s run to 16 unbeaten games and move to within one point of the top four, and 2 points from second placed Tottenham.

The ratings of the 22 players that started the match are as follows:

Manchester United

D.Gea – 8

With the keeper rather comfortable between the sticks at times, there were a few moments when he was called into action, and the flying Spaniard delivered by keeping a clean sheet and also producing a spectacular free kick save in the process.

A.Valencia – 8

A strong, rock solid defensive performance yet again while linking up well with Mata and Mkhitaryan during attacks. Dangerous on both ends of the pitch and handled Janmaat without any trouble.

E.Bailly – 8

A machine at the back, the player was not in the mood to concede at any cost and went in for tackles with speed, force and aggression. A couple of misjudgements present in an otherwise decent shift.

C.Smalling – 9

A Captain’s performance. Clean sheet, physical duels won, and tackles well timed and calculated. Kept Deeney in his pocket for majority of the game.

D.Blind – 7

Good defensive play with great set piece delivery at times along with good link up play with Martial. Troubled at times by Niang for pace but overall coped for 90 minutes without much failure.

P.Pogba – 7

Nothing spectacular. Decent passing play, good defensive shift and quick thinking in a few moves were highlights of his performance.

A.Herrera – 8

A brilliant defensive display of winning the ball back and covering good midfield ground while chasing. Stylish passing with accuracy in attacks.

H.Mkhitaryan – 7

A stylish performance including good link up play with Mata and Ibrahimovic, with one glorious chance to get on the scoresheet which he missed.

J.Mata – 9

Probably the man of the match with an extraordinary first half display of creative play capped with a wonderfully worked team goal finished with a tap in.

A.Martial – 9

One goal and one assist and another contender for man of the match.

Z.Ibrahimovic – 7

Far from his best today, missing an easy headed chance and being selfish at points where he could have played his teammates in. However, good attacking movement and ball distribution.

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Watford FC

Gomes – 7

The Watford keeper had a stellar performance in the first half but couldn’t do much about the 2 goals that went in.

C.Cathcart – 5

The right back had a tiring and tough day with majority of the game facing an upbeat Anthony Martial, who beat him once too often and then finishing the match on his toes against the pace of Rashford.

S. Prodl – 7

Several important defensive interceptions and tackles but at large not up to the mark against United’s all out attacking intent.

M. Britos – 6

An average display with Martial and Mata running riot and no time to breathe costing errors and defensive problems.

J Holebas – 7

Decent while Watford had positive attacking spells especially in the first half, impacted lesser as the game went on.

Y. Kaboul – 7

A solid defensive performance against a man of Ibrahimovic’s abilities and stature, but not enough as the team let 2 goals slip in.

E. Capoue – 6

Did not match expectations with little defensive aid but was a threat as an attacker during little spells in the game. Below par performance and a hand in conceding the second goal.

T. Cleverley – 6

A dismal return for the player to Old Trafford with nothing stand out about his game today and no offering as an attacking midfielder throughout the 90 minutes.

M. Niang – 8

The silver lining in an otherwise poor day in the office, Niang beat Blind a few times with pace and strength and took the game to United at times reminding them of the threat he contains every now and then.

M. Zarate – 8

Tested De Gea with a wonderful free kick and an on target bicycle kick attempt. A bright performance until being subbed off.

T. Deeney – 7

A fighting performance but in vain. Nothing to feed on and spent most of the match running around chasing lost causes.

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