Watford have earned their second consecutive win of the season and first ever points against Manchester United in the Premier League after a resounding 3-1 win at home.
Marcus Rashford cancelled out Etienne Capoue’s 38th minute opener, before Juan Zúñiga and Troy Deeney scored late in thelast 10 mins to round out an historic win.
The win lifts Watford to the top half of the table, while United’s third consecutive loss in all competitions leaves them six points off the pace of Manchester City at the top.
.@WatfordFC beat @ManUtd for the first time in 30 years. #PL #WATMUN pic.twitter.com/a4BfGtnG8S
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 18, 2016
Watford
Heurelho Gomes — 6.5: Failed to command his box well, but spectacularly kept out Zlatan Ibrahimovic late in the match.
Craig Cathcart — 7: Solid defensive display by the Northern Irishman. Almost put through Ibrahimovic in the 43rd minute were it not for Gomes’ quick thinking.
Sebastian Prödl —7 : Bossed the centre of defence, keeping Ibrahimovic quiet. Was caught ball-watching for United’s goal.
Miguel Britos — 7.5: Was under attack from Rashford and Shaw on the left, but managed to hold his own. The Uruguyan is building on a decent 2015-16 season.
Daryl Janmaat — 6.5: Looked lively in the five-man midfield, before a tackle by Pogba forced him off with injury. Walter Mazzarri will be hoping Janmaat’s absence is brief.
Roberto Pereyra — 7.5: One of Watford’s hardest workers. Made an intelligent run for the cross-back to set up Zúñiga’s goal. Toyed with his former Juventus teammate Pogba.
Valon Behrami — 8: All class from the Swiss midfielder. Behrami seems to be getting better with age, controlling Watford’s tempo and linking the defence from attack.
Étienne Capoue — 7.5: Equally as influential as Behrami. Broke down United’s attacks and grabbed the opener with a clever finish.
José Holebas —7 : The Greek is winding back the clock, making up for technical deficiencies with energetic, industrious play. Gave Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia problems on their flank.
Troy Deeney —7.5: Grabbed his second goal of the season through an injury-time penalty. Worked hard, as usual, and lead from the front with tireless pressing.
Odion Ighalo — 7: Worked just as hard as Deeney. Missed a near-open goal in the first half which could have given him his second goal in as many games.
Substitutes
Juan Zúñiga — 7: Put the Hornets into the lead less than a minute into his introduction. Fine finish after a lovely build-up.
Isaac Success — N/A :
Manchester United
David De Gea — 5.5: Made two crucial saves in the second half, otherwise spent more time picking the ball out of the net.
Antonio Valencia — 6: Got forward well on the right wing and was quick to get back.
Chris Smalling — 5: A sorry return for the English international. Failed to assert himself on the game and almost responsible for an embarrassing blunder, were it not for Ighalo blazing wide.
Eric Bailly — 5.5: The Frenchman has failed to reach the benchmark he set in the opening fixtures. Looked uncomfortable in possession when Deeney and Ighalo pressed.
Luke Shaw — 4: Watford’s first two goals came down Shaw’s wing. Pushed forward too early for the first goal and let Pereyra in behind for the second.
Marouane Fellaini — 5.5: The Belgian is a totally different player this season. Looks comfortable sitting in front of his defenders but failed to pick up Capoue’s run for the opening goal.
Paul Pogba — 6: Another frustrating match for Pogba. Won balls in the middle of the park but let down by a lack of movement by his forwards. Quite vocal with his teammates.
Marcus Rashford — 6: Spurned decent chances in the second half but made amends by scored United’s equaliser. Played out of position and it showed.
Wayne Rooney — 4.5: Spent more time whinging to the referee, Michael Oliver, than feeding Ibrahimovic. Not a great day for the England captain. Horrible in possession, both short and long.
Anthony Martial — 5: Gave up possession to Britos for Watford’s opener but could have been lingering concussion. Looked solid prior to his substitution in the 37th minute.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic — 4.5: Starved of possession but did not work hard enough to get involved. Was in on goal thanks to a sloppy Cathcart back pass, but his pace – or lack thereof – let him down.
Substitutes
Ashley Young — 6: Played as a right-wing and then a right-back. Performed well in both positions.
Juan Mata — 4.5: Did not get on the the ball enough in his limited time on the pitch.
Memphis Depay — N/A:
