MANCHESTER UNITED booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Watford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked a much-changed team for the Championship club’s visit.
Scott McTominay excelled with the armband on in Saturday’s winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But it was Scott McTominay who proved his worth once again with a fifth-minute winner.
Jesse Lingard, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams were all handed chances to impress from the start.
Here, SunSport’s Oscar Paul delivers his verdict on the individual performances on Saturday night.
Dean Henderson – 6/10
Raced off his line early on to save from Adam Masina but looked frantic and had a couple of uncomfortable moments in the first-half.
KO’d Eric Bailly, was nearly caught out in no man’s land haring out of his box, and his distribution was mixed. Barely tested by Watford as the Hornets chased an equaliser.
Brandon Williams – 6
Aggressive and assured in the unfamiliar right-back role, although it was far from a tough night with Watford’s limited threat coming down the opposite flank.
Offered little going forward as the Red Devils struggled to open Watford up.
Eric Bailly – 6
A couple of loose balls and nervy moments at the back, and flashed a free header wide at the other end.
Replaced by Harry Maguire just before the break after being clattered by Dean Henderson.
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Eric Bailly was forced off after suffering a nasty head injuryCredit: Reuters
Axel Tuanzebe – 7
Solid and composed in a rare start for the 23-year-old.
An important goal-line clearance in the first half kept things level before keeping Watford chances down to a minimum in the second.
Alex Telles – 7
The Brazilian’s outswinging corner was met by Scott McTominay to get United up and running, before a carbon copy was nodded wide by Eric Bailly.
Recovered well against the dangerous Ismaila Sarr having got himself in a muddle a couple of times.
Scott McTominay – 8
A dream night. Captain for the first time, McTominay’s header got United up and running inside five minutes.
But just like legendary skippers Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, the midfielder did the dirty work at the back with some pivotal interventions.
Captain McTominay flung himself at an early corner to notch the winnerCredit: PA:Press Association
Donny van de Beek – 7
A sublime flick to put Juan Mata in on goal was the one moment of pure class in a dull tie.
Dictated the play early on with plenty of the ball and, after three minutes in United’s previous four games, the Dutchman has to be close to a run of starts in the league.
Daniel James – 6
A lively start but his decision-making and finishing continues to frustrate.
Blew a couple of decent chances before being replaced as United faded as an attacking force.
Juan Mata – 6
Should have scored on his left peg after being beautifully played in by Donny van de Beek.
On his 400th game in English football, the Spaniard found some promising positions but failed to get the United attack purring.
Juan Mata was one of many players handed a rare start versus WatfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jesse Lingard – 5
No disaster but did little to suggest he will be anywhere near the league side anytime soon.
Kept things neat and tidy but failed to impose himself in his first start since September.
Mason Greenwood – 5
A quiet night after being handed a golden chance to make the lone striker’s position his own.
Could not get in the game and barely had a sight of goal before being replaced by Anthony Martial.
Subs:
Harry Maguire (for Bailly, 45) – 6
Would have been hoping for a rare night off but replaced the injured Eric Bailly just before half-time.
Some trademark headers and clearances but was rarely troubled. Went close with a header at the other end late on.
Harry Maguire (right) came off the bench to help see out the winCredit: EPA
Anthony Martial (for Greenwood, 69) – 6
Brought on for Mason Greenwood to add a spark but did not have a sniff.
Marcus Rashford (for James, 69) – 6
A great run down the left minutes after coming on but his shot was straight at the keeper.
Nemanja Matic (for Lingard, 79) – 6
Replaced Jesse Lingard to close the game out and got through the last ten minutes unruffled.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
