Manchester United beat Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford in the final Premier League match of the season. It was a match which would be heavy on the heart as Michael Carrick was saying goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful, starting the match as the captain and being replaced by Paul Pogba in the 85th minute of the match.
Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game, which was started by Carrick’s immense pass to Juan Mata, before the Spaniard passed to the 20-year-old, scoring his seventh goal of the season. United went out on a high at the Theatre of Dreams, earning a total of 81 points this season, 19 behind champions, Manchester City.
There is all to play for in just under a weeks time with United going head to head with Chelsea to contend for the Emirates FA Cup. Chelsea may not be in high spirits after losing 3-0 to Newcastle United this afternoon. It has been a good season for United, frustrating at times, but an improvement has been made in terms of results, especially in the Premier League.
Manchester United
22 Sergio Romero
Kept a clean sheet for United. He was the busier goalkeeper in this match and produced quite a few fine saves. United have kept 19 clean sheets this season, half of the Premier League matches played.
Matteo Darmian
The Italian had a good game, which could well be his last for the club with Juventus on the prowl. Janmaat caused him a few problems, but nothing his team could not help him with.
3 Eric Bailly
Man of the Match for me, although Carrick is also high on the list, it being his last game. The Ivorian put in a solid defensive performance and could have earned himself a place in the FA Cup final starting XI.
16 Marcos Rojo
Got booked in the first eight minutes of the match. Watford were not at the top of their game, if they were, Rojo would have been the weakest link in defence. Seemed rusty after not playing for a while.
18 Ashley Young
It was a comfortable game for Young. Defensively he did what he needed to do. Did not offer all that much offensively. Might not be the first choice left-back next season, if the rumours are true.
17 Daley Blind
The Dutchman put in a good performance in what could have been his last game for United. His passing was good, as it always has been and he got involved in the game, at times.
16 Michael Carrick
Te veteran midfielder, who will be sat in the dugout next season was comfortable in possession, as he has been throughout his career. Played an excellent ball into Juan Mata for Marcus Rashford's goal. Could have scored himself too. End of an era for Manchester United.
39 Scott McTominay
It was not the best of games for young McTominay. His breakthrough season has been a good one and he is not the finished article yet. Nearly did not finish the game because of an injury. Offered very little and was booked late on.
8 Juan Mata
A good performance from the Spanish magician. He became the playmaker today and really helped United win the game. Played Carrick's pass square to Rashford to open the scoring. A good win for United.
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean really put in the effort, as he has done since he signed for United. He was poor in possession and after being played in for a pass, his control of the ball was not the best. Off day or tired after a long season. His rest will come this summer as he will not play in the World Cup.
10 Marcus Rashford
Scored the only goal of the game with the only shot on target. Rashford linked up well in attack and tried the get the better of the Watford defence at times. He needs to be more of a threat in attack to be called upon a bit more. Early in his career as he broke through just over two years ago. Will have a good World Cup and could come back to United with more experience.
Substitutes
23 Luke Shaw
Replaced Young 61'. Had around half an hour to play, possibly to get himself in Mourinho's plans for next season. Got booked for a cynical foul. Did little else.
21 Ander Herrera
Replaced Blind 77'. The Spanish midfielder came on to help United keep their clean sheet and win their last match of the season. He was not really involved in the match though.
6 Paul Pogba
Replaced Carrick 85'. Came on to see the captain end his career on a high, getting a standing ovation at the Theatre of Dreams. Rarely got involved with so little time left to play.
Goals: Marcus Rashford 34′
Assists: Juan Mata 34′
Manchester United: Romero; Darmian, Bailly, Rojo, Blind (Herrera 77′); Carrick (Pogba 85′), McTominay; Mata, Sanchez, Young (Shaw 60′); Rashford
Substitutes Not Used: Pereira; Jones, Valencia; Lingard
Bookings: Marcos Rojo 8′, Ashley Young 57′, Scott McTominay 69′
