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Manchester United warmed up for the FA Cup final in style as they beat Watford on the final day of the Premier League season.
In an inconsequential game with little intensity, Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock after Juan Mata expertly controlled the retiring Michael Carrick's long ball, before laying the ball on a plate for the 20-year old.
Here are a few talking points:
#1 End-of-season feeling to the game
As expected, the game passed without much incident as both teams had little to play for. The hosts, having secured the second position behind runaway leaders Manchester City gave their bench-strength a run-out.
Watford, on the other hand, were well positioned in the middle of the pack and away from any relegation fear.
Watford attacked from the wings in the early stages, taking advantage of some sloppy United passing in midfield.
However, stand-in keeper Sergio Romero had just a single big save to make, diverting Richarlison's header past the post late in the first half. United, after a sluggish start, slowly got proceedings under control but lacked the final touch to test Heurelho Gomes.
The goal was a result of miscommunication from Watford's defense, rather than a display of United quality. Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young's duels against Richarlison and Gerard Deulofeu respectively were the only takeaways from what was an otherwise relaxed afternoon which clearly had an end-of-season feel to it.
#2 Rashford pounces on Watford's slip in concentration
A game that looked to be wearing on desperately, needed a goal, and it came thanks to 20-year old Marcus Rashford.
It started with the traditional long pass by veteran Michael Carrick, which found Juan Mata. The Spaniard did brilliantly to initially beat the offside trap, before bringing the ball down to his feet and unselfishly lay it on a plate for Rashford, who had the easiest job of slotting past a diving Heurelho Gomes to give United their first goal in three league games.
Replays showed that Watford's defence got their offside plans all wrong, firstly risking the high line against the pace of Rashford and then failing to communicate effectively to play the offside trap as left-back Jose Holebas played Mata onside and allowed play to continue.
A slip of concentration from an otherwise disciplined Hornets opened the game up.
#3 Michael Carrick stars in final appearance
The game appeared to be more of a testimonial for the retiring Michael Carrick, who after making nearly 500 appearances for the club, has decided to hang his football boots after this game and move on to a coaching role with the club.
However, despite little incentive to play at top gear, it was Carrick who appeared to be running the midfield one final time for the Red Devils.
His early long ball to nearly locate an advancing Rashford brought immense cheers from the crowd and it was fitting that he played the role of supplier for the goal, finding Mata in space and lofting the ball over the Watford defence, who played the Spanish playmaker onside.
He came off late on to a rapturous Old Trafford crowd, acknowledging a glittering career laden with trophies and immense influence from midfield.
#4 Watford must do better on their travels
Watford may have survived the drop for the third straight season, but it has been their form at Vicarage Road that has got them over the line this time around.
Their form on their travels has been shocking in 2018 - one goal and one point in 12 games since the turn of the year, with only Andre Gray finding the net in a 3-1 defeat to champions, Manchester City.
Their chance creation, as was evident from this game, has not been a problem, but their inability to convert chance into goals has been their biggest pet-peeve.
Richarlison's pace was a threat to Darmian in the closing stages, but he was unable to get his head up and locate targets in better positions to shoot than he was. Andre Gray's movement in the box needs to improve if he wishes to get in between defenders and receive crosses.
Manager Javi Gracia has work to do in the goalscoring department before The Hornets get the wagon rolling next season
#5 Injury-free Bailly crucial for United's progress next season
United's defending has come under scrutiny in the second half of the season and much of it has been down to center-back Eric Bailly's injury woes that have kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the season.
Chris Smalling has looked suspect all season and it is his goals at the other end that have papered over his cracks.
Phil Jones always looks to be flirting with injuries that have hampered his career at Old Trafford, while Marcos Rojo has failed to stamp his authority in the first team since joining in 2015.
Ivorian Bailly is arguably the strongest, most vocal defender in United's ranks, as was visible from Sunday's performance at Old Trafford.
It was him organizing the man-marking and getting tackles and clearances in, especially in the dying moments when Watford were searching for an equalizer.
He may not have auditioned successfully for a starting place in the FA Cup final based on one performance, but what is certain is that his availability and fitness will be key to United seriously challenging for the title next season.
