Watford (3-1) Manchester United: Player ratings
Sep 19, 2016 at 11:08 AM
Manchester United produced one more lacklustre display as they lost their third game in a row and second consecutive league game to trail table-toppers Manchester City by six points after only 5 games.The Red Devils lost 3-1 to Watford and showed absolutely no signs of improvement after their poor outing against Manchester City and Feyenoord in the previous games.
Watford were dominating the proceedings and after missing some easy chances Etienne Capoue opened the scoring in the 34th-minute when he side-footed in Daryl Janmaat’s pass. But Marcus Rashford, who was starting his first game this season, equalised for the visitors in the 62nd minute when he tapped in a ball after it bounced off the arm of Valon Behrami from a Zlatan Ibrahimovic shot. However, substitute Zuniga found the back of the net with seven minutes left and Troy Deeney sealed the game for the Hornets when he converted a penalty in injury-time after Marouane Fellaini fouled Zuniga in the box.
Let us see how the United players fared in one more disastrous outing:
David De Gea: 4.5/10
Had a terrible game. Was involved in a horrific mix-up with Chris Smalling early on but Igholo missed the chance. Could have saved Etienne Capoue’s opener.
Luke Shaw: 6.5/10
Arguably the best United defender today, Shaw gave a solid performance at the back. But was struggling to play a part in any attacking move.
Antonio Valencia: 6/10
Continued his fine form defensively but was struggling to provide quality balls in the opposition box and was later replaced by Juan Mata.
Eric Bailly: 4/10
For the third game in a row, the centre-back has struggled to give a solid performance at the back. Was completely dominated by Deeney and Ighalo.
Chris Smalling: 5/10
Playing his first League game this season, Smalling was looking rusty early on. Was involved in a mix-up with De Gea which nearly cost his team a goal. Still a long way to go before he replicated his last season’s form.
Marouane Fellaini: 4.5/10
Had a terrible outing. Struggled to keep the possession and conceded a late penalty.
Paul Pogba: 5/10
Hit the woodwork early on but was still a pale shadow of his former self that made him one of the finest in the world. Became ineffective as the game progressed.
Wayne Rooney: 3/10
Probably the worst United player on the pitch, Rooney once again struggled to build any quality attack. Was also struggling to distribute the balls.
Anthony Martial: 3.5/10
Was responsible for Watford’s opener as he was robbed of possession when Watford took the lead. Was later replaced due to an ugly clash of heads with Darryl Janmaat.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 5/10
Missed a sitter early on and failed to create any problem for Watford defence throughout the game.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5/10
Making his first start of the season, Rashford was looking a big threat when going forward. made several dangerous runs and scored the equaliser.
Substitutes:
Ashley Young: 5/10
Replaced Martial in the second half but could not make much of an impact.
Juan Mata: 5/10
Replaced Valencia to build some quality attacks but struggled to make a big impact.
Memphis Depay: 4/10
Came on too late and picked up an unnecessary yellow card.