Player Ratings: Watford 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United notched their third victory of the Premier League season to move to the top half of the table. Jose Mourinho’s side beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road to stop the hosts from registering a fifth successive win.

Romelu Lukaku guided in a cross by Ashley Young to put United ahead in the first half. Three minutes later, defender Chris Smalling romped home the second past Watford keeper Ben Foster.

Andre Gray pulled one back for the hosts late into the game, as Watford stretched United in a lovely spell of play.

Here are the player ratings as the Red Devils notched a crucial win away from home:

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David de Gea: 7

Made an excellent save in the 16th minute from Troy Deeney. Couldn’t do much for the goal conceded. Made a decent save from Doucoure at stroke of injury time and then denied Kabaselle with a stunner.

Antonio Valencia: 5

Moved the ball well going forward initially. Gave away a silly free-kick from a rash challenge in the 2nd half. His performance dipped as the match progressed.

Chris Smalling: 7

Made a defensive mistake that almost led Deeney to score. Grew into the game and then scored from an excellent finish. Was sound positionally and defended well. Could have done better for the goal conceded.

Victor Lindelof: 6

Had a steady first-half and looked composed. Was a passenger when Gray pulled one back.

Ashley Young: 8

Was United’s best player on the pitch. Provided an assist for Lukaku that led to the opener and then played a hand in the 2nd with his smart corner kick.

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Marouane Fellaini: 7

Started the game poorly and lost the ball on several occasions, but gave a better account of himself as the match progressed both defensively and in attack. Assisted Smalling for the 2nd goal.

Nemanja Matic: 4.5

A composed and defining presence from Matic to start with. Was careless in the 2nd half and got two needless yellow cards to get sent off.

Paul Pogba: 7

Troubled the keeper on numerous occasions and should have scored late in the first half. Set up Alexis with a delightful ball.

Jesse Lingard: 4.5

Didn’t perform to his abilities and had a dodgy show, losing the ball several times.

Alexis Sanchez: 5

A below-par performance from the Chilean. His only bright moment was forcing a save from Foster.

Romelu Lukaku: 6

Was positionally sound to get something on the cross from Young to score. Besides that, the Belgian was isolated and woeful on the ball as the game progressed.

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SUBSTITUTIONS:

Anthony Martial: 4

Lost the ball twice early on and was then denied by Kabaselle after being through. Looked better after switching on to the left.

Scott McTominay: 3

Didn’t have much say in the game.

Eric Bailly: N/A

Came on too late to make any sort of impact.