Manchester United had no problems to get past Watford on Sunday at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men easily dispatched The Hornets to the tune of a 3-0 score backed up by an impressive performance from January signing Bruno Fernandes.
The former Sporting CP star notched the team’s first goal with a penalty kick, and was influential throughout the rest of the way. Anthony Martial netted the second half and Mason Greenwood struck the third following an assist from Fernandes.
The score fully reflected what happened out there, as The Red Devils looked in control throughout the entire match. Their first chance came in the 17th minute with a shot from Aaron Wan-Bissaka that went slightly wide, but they would open the score shortly after thanks to Fernandes’ penalty.
The former Sporting CP star took the ball after former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster brought down an opponent, and he coolly placed the ball past the keeper for the 1-0 lead. Martial could have added a second goal just before the break, but his effort went wide. The Frenchman would have his revenge later, though.
Manchester United seal the deal after the break
Watford began the second half with a different approach, and they needed just eight minutes to even things up. Troy Deeney scored off a rebound from close range, but referee Martin Atkinson ruled out the goal through a VAR decision after a handball. To make things even worst, Martial made it 2-0 with a shot from inside the box following a stellar individual play.
The Hornets disappeared off the pitch following United’s second goal. There was enough time for a third goal, though. A pass from Fernandes set up Greenwood, and the youngster blasted an effort past Foster to put the final score in place.
Watford had one last chance when Gerard Deulofeu smashed an effort off the crossbar in the 78th minute, but it was too late. Solskjaer’s men sealed the deal and cruised their way towards a comfortable win at home.
With the win, Manchester United moved to fifth place in the standings with 41 points. Meanwhile, Watford remain in 19th place with 24 points. If the season ended today, The Hornets would be playing in The Championship in 2020/21.
Match Report
Manchester United: De Gea (7); Wan-Bissaka (6), Lindelof (6), Maguire (7), Shaw (7); Fred (6) (McTominay (-), 79’), Matic (7); Greenwood (8) (Chong (-), 80’), Bruno Fernandes (9), James (5); Martial (7) (Ighalo (-), 80’)
Subs not used: Romero (GK), Williams, Bailly, Mata
Watford: Foster (4); Dawson (5), Kabasele (5), Cathcart (6), Masina (6); Hughes (7), Capoue (4); Pereyra (5) (Sarr (5), 69’), Doucoure (5) (Cleverley (-). 80’), Deulofeu (6); Deeney (5) (Welbeck (5), 76’)
Subs not used: Gomes (GK), Mariappa, Chalobah, Gray
Goals: Fernandes (1-0, 42’, PK), Martial (2-0, 58’), Greenwood (3-0, 75’)
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Yellow Cards: Cathcart (WAT)
Red Cards: None
Attendance: 73,347
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
