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Starting XI Prediction: 4-3-3 the key to revenge over Watford?
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Manchester United made top four statement as they win against 2-0 against Watford in an enjoyable game at Old Trafford. The perfect way to make tribute to the Busby Babes, who left the generation of today a sad story to tell but wonderful at the same time, as they were the most exciting team in the country. A great way to finish things and United has put pressure on them.
The mission was clear, to move on from the sixth place. Liverpool faces Tottenham early in the evening, and if Spurs manage to grab something from that game, things may turn in United’s favour easily. Martial started today, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the second game this season started in the no.10 position that suits him perfectly. Cutting down the middle in several games, Mourinho was convinced that he is more productive in the position, doing things right this time. No errors allowed this time, it was a must win game.
With Rojo and Jones not fully fit the clear choices in the heart of the defence were Bailly and Smalling, while the difficult job was on Valencia as he had to mark the new Watford signing M’Baye Niang, well-known for his terrific pace and speed.
As the game started, United were in the perfect tune, as Pogba, Mata and Valencia combined really in the right to seal a beautiful cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who strangely didn’t score as that was perfect for one of his spectacular goals. As the minutes went by, United were a constant threat, yet didn’t manage to find the right way to score. Early signs of what could Niang do were shown around the 9th minute as he sealed a shot that went straight to De Gea’s hands. On the other side it was Mkhitaryan who could have scored as he wasn’t able to lurk a stronger shot to the Watford keeper.
Another perfect control from Martial as the Watford defence put the alert on, as they couldn’t simply face the terrific pace Martial showed and a few minutes later Mata created another chance which was actually offside. Signs of domination from Manchester United who needed to win this to keep the pressure on the top four. Entertaining football as combinations of Martial and Zlatan were the perfect ones to create danger around Watford’s final third.
A Watford counter could have seen the opposition in lead but a late touch from Bailly saw the shot deflected, keeping the result in tie. This game surely never lost its movement with a Pogba shot that surely seemed to be in. Another great job from Valencia who almost had an assist there as Pogba once again was denied by Gomes as in the meantime United kept an eye on Mauro Zarate. Right after that, Ander Herrera, Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic missed three great chances, but it was Mata with a brilliant assist from Martial finally took the lead, a deserved lead that finally saw those wasted chances less painful.
From the goal to the end of the first half United once again kept trying once again to score and dominate the game yet not being able to double the lead.
As the second half started United with Martial again and his incredible pace going upfront who was unlucky not to have another ball converted into an assist. no changes made with the manager happy at the team so far. The commentator just like us, it’s not surprised as Martial is the one that moves United forward. Doing the job great today in the front, Paul Pogba has however played a deeper role and caused a free kick which was converted into a dangerous shot from Mauro Zarate that saw it saved from David De Gea.
Despite the team playing well, the same cannot be said for the big Swede who has been caught offside several times and looking a bit nervous for not being able to score. Devastating months are past Martial as he finally scored a great goal and of course he had the fans start chanting. A goal that surely came in the right time as the game was running slow that needed some type of response and Anthony Martial didn’t let us down.
However, United couldn’t call the game off in the 65th minute as Walter Mazzarri was making a few tactical changes in the pitch putting Niang in the left causing a few troubles in Daley Blind’s head, making things a bit difficult for him. To balance things a bit, a right call from Jose Mourinho who took off Juan Mata to replace him with Marouanne Fellaini. The movement was completely understandable as things were getting a bit dangerous as David De Gea did another superb save to keep a clean sheet.
This game surely is going to be match full of regrets for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan as in the gap of 10 minutes they have missed four clear chances to score. Zlatan has had a poor game in terms of shooting, while Mkhitaryan has been so unlucky as the player constantly missed sitters, growing frustration into him. It has to be said that despite this, the constant threat he has caused in Watford final third has been incredible.
Sporadic reaction and contribution from M’Baye were surely credit to Antonio Valencia today as he never left him alone as after switching roles, he still couldn’t make against Paul Pogba. In the following minutes, United made two other changes as Anthony Martial came off for Rashford who in instant made an impact having two shots saved. Then it was time for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to leave the pitch as Jesse Lingard came in for him.
United win the game 2-0, moving in front of Liverpool who will face Tottenham Hotspur this evening. Leaving this behind, United entertained us today, as missing chances has become a sort of courtesy for United strikers, but this time Mata and Martial did everything right and won it for United.
Goals: Juan Mata 32′, Anthony Martial 60′
Assists: Anthony Martial 32′, Zlatan Ibrahimovic 60′
Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind, Herrera, Pogba, Mata (Fellaini 72′), Mkhitaryan (Lingard 89′), Martial (Rashford 81′), Ibrahimovic
Substitutes Not Used: Romero, Darmian, Carrick, Rooney
Bookings: Antonio Valencia 92′
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Manchester United

1 David De Gea
Put on alert a few times in the first half as Mauro Zarate and M'Baye Niang had their chances, but whenever called he was on position. Didn't have much to do in the second half except from two other Watford chances where Mauro Zarate who almost scored from the free kick. Great saves, another clean sheet.

25 Antonio Valencia
Hardworking, doing things well in the right and his cross could have seen United leading two minutes from the start of the game. the real deal today was to close any ball movement from M'Baye Niang who seemed furious for not making the right move and go forward. The best right back at the moment, I am sure most of you will agree. M'Baye Niang felt so small today, all thanks to Valencia.

3 Eric Bailly
Solid, Watford's problem when they try to get upfront. Did his job really well as Eric deflected a shot that was for sure in. With Bailly at the back, not many errors can be made and that's for sure. Same thing in the second half. A few clearances of the ball that helped the team.

12 Chris Smalling
Confidence back and a positive first half from the English. I, as many United fans may have said that the Mike Smalling of old times won't get back, but he is proving us wrong. Did a few clearances like Bailly was cautious several times. Good defending.

17 Daley Blind
Quiet first half from the Dutch, who has managed to get a few balls forward, something he does it really well. It's doing a great job in the defence today, but surely the man he has to mark is trying to show up. With M'Baye Niang switching sides he had a lot to do and needed help from Paul Pogba and the two did well.

21 Ander Herrera
No one gets past Herrera, they just have to face it. The right man in the right time, in the right place both defensively and offensively. We really don't ask for more. Actually we do, get him a new contract already. The player is known for some interceptions and interactions, and Niang was his victim today. Captain material...

6 Paul Pogba
One of the best games he has had this season. He had shots stopped today and he may regret a few them not getting in. It's a matter of keeping up with the game and support the players upfront. Today he is really doing it right, buzzing performance from the French. What's most surprising and exciting at the same time is that playing in a deeper role than usual helped the team by neutralizing the opponent.

8 Juan Mata
A true architect, top performance and his goal had United ahead in the first half. Creativity is his thing and no one can deny this, finding different corners and managed to score after a Martial assist. In the first half he created 4 chances. Well, Special Juan delivering for the Special One.

22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Cutting down the middle easily, running quickly and unlucky at times as he saw his two shots saved. Other than that, he also missed two other chances that could have seen United double the lead. Same thing with him going in the second half. Feels he was really unlucky today and a special note for the future; he really should shouldn't miss this much anymore.

11 Anthony Martial
The best player in the pitch today along with Mata and Valencia. His pace is incredible and every single threat starting was from his feet. Watford was literally terrified from him, whenever he had the ball, Martial would cut wide and create chances and assist for the other players. In other words, that's how it's done.

10 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Didn't do well today. Could have given United the lead early in the first half and missed a few chances thorough the game. That's not exactly what we expected from him today. However he did make a few key passes that made possible the Martial goal.
Substitutes

27 Marouane Fellaini
Came in for Mata. Did well in reinforcing the midfield defensively to help Blind especially.

19 Marcus Rashford
Came in for Martial. Instant impact on the pitch. Had two shots immediately and both were saved.

14 Jesse Lingard
Came in for Mkhitaryan. Didn't have much to do.