What a horrific 7 days it has been for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho after Red Devils succumbed to their third defeat of a very miserable week. Watford were the latest benefactor of a lackluster start from Mourinho’s United.
Speaking of individual performances, Wayne Rooney was at his dismal best yet again after the United skipper let his team down at crucial moments. Paul Pogba did not impress either while Zlatan Ibrahimovic tried hard but could not force a goal for his team.
Meanwhile for Watford, Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney were unplayable at times winning everything in the air. Etienne Capoue continued his dream run from midfield while Watford’s 3-man defense held firm when United went on an onslaught in the second half.
On that note, we take a look at the Watford vs Manchester United player ratings after The Hornets registered their first win over United in over 3 decades.
Manchester United player ratings vs Watford
David De Gea – 5.5/10
Left helpless for all three goals on the night but could have done a little better with Capoue’s opening goal when he chose to use his right foot yet again.
Antonio Valencia – 5/10
The Ecuadorian was not at his rampaging best tonight as his crosses did not find the target and was often dragged out of position by the Watford players.
Eric Bailly – 5/10
Normally so assured at the back, Bailly looked unsettled and was out powered by both Ighalo and Deeney. He was not himself tonight like most of his teammates.
Chris Smalling – 5.5/10
Not the return Smalling was hoping for after he lost second match in a row with United. Individually he looked commanding and made some good tackles both inside and outside the penalty box.
Luke Shaw – 5.5/10
He had his hands full with Capoue and Pereyra constantly putting pressure on his side. His supporting runs were few and far in between which led to United’s poor performance on the night as well.
Paul Pogba – 5/10
Just one moment of brilliance from the £89m man when he rattled the crossbar with a thumping strike, else a very quiet night for Pogba who still looks overwhelmed with the idea of playing for Man United.
Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Guilty of conceding the penalty late on, Fellaini did give a strong performance tonight. At times, he was United’s best player on the night and looked in control of the match but his tackle late on gifted Watford the match.
Anthony Martial – 3/10
To be fair on him, Martial’s head injury may have saved from a severe criticisms from the United fans. Until he was on the pitch, Martial looked weak in challenges and had no vision while going forward. It was he who lost the ball for Watford’s opening goal as well.
Wayne Rooney – 3.5/10
It was like seeing a player from the Sunday League playing in Rooney’s body. His touches and passes were the worst I have seen from him in last decade or so. It is about time, Mourinho takes a hard look at his skipper and what he brings to the side.
Marcus Rashford – 6.5/10
Once again the real bright spark about United’s play was Rashford attacking from the left hand side where he eventually got the only goal of the match for Man United, unfortunately it was not enough.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 4.5/10
Just not good enough from the Swede when United needed him to be on his game. Only bright moment from Zlatan came in the second half when his header was superbly stopped by Gomes.
Substitutes: Young (5), Mata (5), Memphis (NA)