Watford thrashed struggling Manchester United in the Premier League to claim three points.
Manchester United succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Watford in the weekend Premier League fixture.
United were hoping to turn things around after the international break but the home side had other ideas.
United found themselves lucky after David de Gea produced a stunning double save against Ismaila Sarr from the penalty spot.
The Red Devils’ luck didn’t last long as Joshua King gave the home side the breakthrough. Sarr made up for his early mistakes by doubling the lead before half-time.
United halved the deficit through the help of Donny van de Beek, who was introduced as a second-half substitute in place of Scott McTominay. Not long after, the Dutch midfielder played in a brilliant pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose shot was denied by Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Man Utd’s hope for a comeback took a hit when Harry Maguire received a red card. Watford pounced on it and added two more goals in injury time, courtesy of Joao Pedro and Bonaventure.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, who are seventh in the Premier League table, have managed only one win in their last seven games.
De Gea’s heroics went in vain
David de Gea was the saving grace for United in their home defeat to Man City, as he produced some top-notch saves. Today, he nearly did the same by denying Ismaila Sarr twice from the penalty spot. However, he lacked the support from the defence as Watford hit four past United. The Spaniard’s heroics would once again go under the radar due to United’s collective failure.
Van de Beek proves his worth despite United’s defeat
Donny van de Beek has really become disgruntled this season due to lack of game time. For a player of his quality, Solskjaer should have given him enough chances. The Dutch midfielder was summoned after the half-time break today and he put on an impressive performance, although his side ended up short. It didn’t take long for him to find the nets, which turned out to be United’s only goal of the game. He almost added an assist to his name after playing a through ball to Ronaldo, whose shot was saved by Foster. It has become clear now that Van de Beek should be starting half of United’s games instead of warming the bench.
The end is near for Solskjaer
It could be curtains for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United’s manager after tonight’s defeat. Against a struggling unit like Watford, who were winless in their last few games, United were expected to give their best. However, the Red Devils produced an uninspiring performance similar to the one against Man City before the international break. From defence to attack, United looked clueless throughout the game and never presented the feeling they were going to claim three points. Only one win in the last seven Premier League games makes you wonder how Solskjaer is holding on to his job. But the chances are looking bleaker for the Norwegian after the calamitous defeat to Watford.
