Manchester United 2-1 Watford Player Ratings: De Gea does it again

Manchester United 2-1 Watford Player Ratings: De Gea does it again

Manchester United 2-1 Watford Player Ratings: De Gea does it again

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
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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.