Manchester United returned to Premier League action with a depleted squad following international break. Injuries to Anthony Martial and Michael Carrick, and illness to Wayne Rooney left Louis van Gaal‘s squad with a lack of scoring options up front and leadership.
Luckily the Red Devils still had David de Gea to call upon, as he put on another fine performance to earn man of the match honors. Although United may be looking to add to their back line come January, the United faithful know that they can rely on de Gea to churn out World Class performances to secure them wins.
Here are United’s player ratings for the game…
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
David de Gea 8
It looked like another quiet afternoon for the keeper as he was untroubled in the first half. When Watford came knocking in the second half, de Gea provided good goalkeeping, making great stops. Another brilliant display as he was very aware late on.
Daley Blind 6
A quiet match for the Dutchman, however, showed versatility as he was asked to play on the left side and then in midfield when Ander Herrera picked up an injury and Marcos Rojo came on.
Chris Smalling 7
Made a crucial block to deny Deeney and was his typical assured self in the center of the defence.
Phil Jones 7
Didn’t make any crucial blocks like his England counterpart, but did battle well with the Watford forwards before he made way for Paddy McNair.
Ashley Young 7
He was instrumental in the United attack that started off very well by making some positive runs down the right side. Continued being very progressive and played some decent balls in, but gave the ball away which led to a potential dangerous Watford attack.
Morgan Schneiderlin 7
One of his better matches in a United shirt. He was a calming presence in the center of the pitch and had a great strike that sailed just over the back of the Watford net.
Bastian Schweinsteiger 7
Caused problems for Watford going forward and showcased some beautiful passing for the attack. Forced the late winner, which almost ended up being his first United goal.
Juan Mata 6
A quiet game for the Spaniard which saw him making way for Andreas Pereira in the second half. He saw plenty of the ball, nonetheless, really didn’t make much of an impact.
Ander Herrera 7
Provided a brilliant assist for the opening goal with a dream pass to Memphis Depay, but was forced off with an injury in the 25th minute. The United attack certainly slowed when he made way.
Jesse Lingard 7
United were lacking the pace earlier in the season, however, since Lingard has been playing, his pace and running in behind the defenders have certainly been welcoming. Had a chance to score late, but didn’t make the most of it, shooting directly at the keeper.
Memphis Depay 7
Took his chance extremely well by making an incisive finish from the Herrera ball, which ended up being the lone United scored goal. His decisive touch made him a consistent threat to score, but his decision making came into question with a poor strike late in the second half.
Substitutes
Marcos Rojo 5
Came on for the injured Herrera and almost cost United the three points as he fouled Odion Ighalo in the box, which led to the game-tying penalty kick. The rash challenge was very poor for the Argentine.
Paddy McNair 6
Made his first appearance in quite some time during a difficult part of the game with Watford threatening.
Andreas Pereira 6
Came on for the quiet Mata in the 79th minute to provide fresh legs and a spark in attack.
Manager: Louis van Gaal 8
Made the right decision to start Memphis up front and it paid dividends, as the out of form forward scored a beautiful goal. Despite the injury crisis, picked a team that defended, attacked well, and enjoyed possession for the majority of the match.
