Manchester United 2-1 Watford: 5 Tactics from Solskjaer that won the game | Premier League 2018-19

#4 Compact defending

Manchester United v Watford FC - Premier League

United have recently picked up a habit of starting their games slow. And after the international break, United certainly looked a little off the pace at the start. Watford started the game stronger and pegged United back in their own backyard. The fact that the home team kept giving away the ball did not help either. However, United held on, especially thanks to their back line, who were solid and composed.

Smalling put in another stellar shift, but it was Phil Jones who turned out to be the unsung hero of the day. The Englishman was drafted in for Lindelof and rarely put a foot wrong. He was strong, he was vocal and he battled on till the end. The United midfield was extremely poor on the night, failing to close down the gaps in the initial stages, but they joined the war with their backs against the wall.

They did let in a goal in the closing stages, due to a loss of concentration, but held on to secure three points.