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Manchester United beat Watford by 2-1 at Old Trafford to storm into the top 4. It was the first win for Solskjaer as the permanent boss of Manchester United. The goals were scored by Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. For Watford, the goal was scored by Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The first half was very frantic and end to end with both teams getting opportunities. But, Manchester United took the lead through Rashford after he was found by Luke Shaw with a pinpoint pass. United then had more opportunities to get past Watford in the first half, but they were lacking the final touch.
In the second half, Watford dominated United for the most part but they just couldn't test David de Gea enough. It was United who got the second goal after Jesse Lingard, who came on for Juan Mata in the second half, ran on the overlap and found Martial, who scuffed his shot initially but found the back of the net on the follow-up.
Watford did get a consolation goal for their efforts late in the second half and it was Doucoure who finished off a brilliant passing move. In the end, United saw the game off and stormed into the top 4.
Here are the 5 players who were magnificent for Solskjaer.
#5 Phil Jones
Phil Jones gets a lot of stick from both the Pundits and the Manchester United fans for his recklessness at the back, but credit where its due. Jones was brilliant at the back for United today and if it wasn't for him United could have behind in the early stages of the match.
His made very important tackles and interceptions, and his passing from the back is also very underrated. The Englishman kept the likes of Will Hughes and Gerard Deulofeu quite and his center back partner was also amazing on the day.
#4 Chris Smalling
Smalling has been in brilliant form since his injury return two months back and he was solid again at Old Trafford. He won a number of duels against Troy Deeney and as always he was brilliant in the air, winning most of the headers against Deeney.
Watford have a direct style of play as they ping balls towards Deeney and play on the second ball, and most of the match they did exactly that and created chances, but the English centre-half was always aware of the danger. United did concede a goal away, but it was a scintillating passing move from the Hornets.
#3 Anthony Martial
Martial was back into Manchester United's starting XI after an injury layoff and he scored his 10th goal in the last 14 league starts. The Frenchman's movement on the counter was causing problems for the Watford defense.
His linkup play with Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba was also absolutely delightful to watch. The young French winger has been in tremendous form this season and his pace, and skill on the ball were on show against the Hornets. He was substituted later on for Marcos Rojo.
#2 Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been in terrific goalscoring form in the Premier League since Solskjaer took over and he continued his brilliant form against Watford. The Englishman opened the scoring for Manchester United with a brilliant finish past Foster. Rashford, just like Martial, was always a threat on the counter with his pace and clever movement.
The young Englishman scored his 10th goal in the Premier League this season and he could have got more if his decision making was better in certain attacking situations. The 21-year-old missed a few opportunities in the first half but his overall performance was brilliant.
#1 Luke Shaw
Another match, another brilliant performance from Luke Shaw. In my opinion, he was the man of the match for Manchester United against Watford. It was his stunning assist for the Red Devils' first goal and he was brilliant in defense as well.
He marshaled both Deulofeu and Will Hughes brilliantly throughout the game and made some very good tackles and interceptions, and one of his sliding challenges denied Roberto Pereyra a goal opportunity. The young English left-back has been tremendous for United this season and he is slowly turning into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
