Manchester United have gained some momentum of late in the ‘top four’ race and a win this afternoon against struggling Watford would have handed them a breathing space. But the Red Devils were shambolic high up the pitch as the game ended in stalemate at Old Trafford.
Below are the Manchester United players rated in their disappointing 0-0 draw against Watford.
David de Gea: 7
The in-form custodian had a comfortable outing between the sticks. Did not have much to worry about except for a few routine saves en route to clinching a clean sheet.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7
Whipped in a few decent crosses while making marauding runs from the right-hand flank. Linked up well with Elanga on a few occasions. Should have done better with his dribbling attempts.
Victor Lindelof: 7.5
Dominated the duels, also made some timely recoveries and interceptions. Failed to leave an impact while playing it out from the back, but a long, diagonal ball for Sancho led to a late opportunity minutes before the final whistle.
Raphael Varane: 7
Had some nervy moments in deep defence. Got dribbled past once, however, his experience helped him recover and keep things calm. His long balls let the Red Devils down while scripting swift counter-attacks.
Alex Telles: 6.5
Got dispossessed a couple of times and was clumsy with his challenges. Made some overlapping runs from the left, but his crosses lacked accuracy most of the time. Was taken off late in the match to be replaced by Luke Shaw.
Fred: 6
Not his best game in the middle of the park. Lost the majority of ground duels and was found struggling to break down the visitors who set up occasional attacking moves against the run of play. Made way for Jadon Sancho just over the hour mark.
Nemanja Matic: 7.5
A decent display from the Serbian who carried the ball forward from the deep. Played some key passes, also looked sharp with his distribution from a deeper midfield role. Lost the possession a few times and was eventually replaced by Marcus Rashford late in the game.
Anthony Elanga: 6.5
The teenager lately scored a few decisive goals, but his movements were tracked well by the Hornets’ defence. Missed a great opportunity around the hour mark.
Paul Pogba: 7
His tricks and turns in midfield led to a few attacking moves, but the French playmaker could not make a difference as his runs and passes were highly predictable towards the end.
Bruno Fernandes: 7
Created many chances high up the pitch, tested Ben Foster a few times, but the Portuguese playmaker failed to break the deadlock despite an array of dribbling attempts, crosses and long balls forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6
The Portuguese talisman had an early effort denied by the woodwork. Had the ball into the back of the net, only to be ruled out for offside. Had a disappointing second half with little movement and work ethic.
Manchester United Subs Vs Watford
Jadon Sancho: 7
Injected some creative spark down the left with his swift runs and cut insides. Had an ambitious effort from distance in the closing moments, but his curler missed the goal narrowly.
Marcus Rashford: 5.5
Had little impact since coming on to replace Matic.
Luke Shaw: 6
Spent his time high up the pitch during the final quarter, but the Englishman failed to make any notable contribution.
