Juan Mata scored a wonderful free-kick to give Manchester United a 1-0 win and move them level on points with Manchester City. Watford missed a handful of chances to go ahead and they paid for it in the second-half.
United’s new teenage hero Marcus Rashford was quiet in the first half but the Red Devils improved when Rashford and Anthony Martial switched places and the young Frenchman was causing Watford all kinds of problems. He won the free-kick from which Juan Mata brilliantly curled in from 20 yards.
Van Gaal’s team are now level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City who have a game in hand. United have now earned four successive wins and they will be hoping to keep the run going with an important couple of weeks coming up including the last 16 Europa League tie against Liverpool.
After Man City lost 3-0 at Liverpool, United will now fancy their chances to finish in the top four. Here we will rate the performances of the United players.
David De Gea 8/10
The goalkeeper made some crucial saves especially from Igahlo to show why he is the best keeper in Europe right now.
Guillermo Varela 7/10
The stand-in right-back has been playing very well recently. He made a poor backpass but his overall performance was good.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah 7/10
The defender was making his first start and he held his own against a strong Troy Deeney. His pace was also a good attribute during the game.
Daley Blind 6/10
Blind made a mistake with a poor backpass however he did well to deny Watford a goal when he stuck out a leg to stop what looked like a certain goal.
Marcos Rojo 6.5/10
The defender got down the left flank very well and looked comfortable at left-back.
Morgan Schneiderlin 7/10
Schneiderlin is becoming a very important player for United and he was solid in midfield again.
Ander Herrera 7/10
The midfielder has formed a good partnership with Schneiderlin as he was good on the ball and joined in with the attacks.
Anthony Martial 7/10
Martial played better when he was moved inside and he did very well to earn the free-kick from which Mata scored.
Juan Mata 8.5/10
Mata scored an outstanding free-kick to earn the three points and his performance was great yet again. He found pockets of space and was a threat all the game.
Memphis Depay – 6/10
He threatened down the left but his final ball let him down and he had a couple of shots which went wide.
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Rashford didn’t have as big of an impact as he had in his last two games, however he was always busy and was more of a threat when he switched positions with Martial.