MANCHESTER UNITED huffed and puffed but just could not breakdown a stubborn Watford.
And it was not for a lack of trying with the Red Devils having 22 attempts, though only three shots were on target.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga were guilty of missing the best chances as United somehow failed to get all three points.
Elanga was dangerous throughout and should have had an assist inside five minutes but Ronaldo hit the post.
CR7 was so wasteful for a man of his talents and was most to blame for the Red Devils not picking up a win.
Here is how Kealan Hughes rated a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford.
David De Gea – 6
Did not have a lot to do with Watford producing just two shots on target all game.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Recalled to the side and looked solid without doing much going forward, which is likely the reason he was dropped in the first place.
Watford began to exploit United’s right flank late on with Ismaila Sarr causing problems.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Another accomplished display from the Swede in his natural position after playing right-back against Atletico Madrid.
Raphael Varane – 7
Was comfortable although Watford did not offer much in attack for 80 minutes.
Dealt with a lively Emmanuel Dennis who has 14 goal contributions this season.
Alex Telles – 6
Got forward well playing one pinpoint cross Ronaldo tapped in only to be ruled offside.
Fred – 5
Was not as effective as he was in Madrid in mid-week with United bossing possession.
Was rightly hooked on the hour with United in search of a goal.
Nemanja Matic – 6
The midfielder does not start many games but he gave United control throughout and was effective with his passing and dribbling.
It was not a coincidence that Watford began to threaten more once he went off and Rangnick will likely regret taking him off.
Anthony Elanga – 8
The Watford defence could not handle his speed and direct running on the ball – was unlucky to not be awarded a penalty when Craig Cathcart collided with him in the box.
He was dangerous across the attack as he was given the freedom to roam and he created chances too with intricate passes.
But he was guilty of arguably the worst miss of the match after being played in by Pogba, blasting wide when there was plenty of space to Ben Foster’s right.
Paul Pogba – 7
Played in a more advanced role and it suited him well with one beautiful flick creating a great chance for Elanga.
He also could have scored but blasted wide when he found space in the box and also failed to connect with a header which could have been goalbound if he did.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Looked dangerous again for a second successive home game but once again missed easy chances.
He volleyed miles wide from close range before heading over after Foster had lost his bearings in the Watford goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4
Missed a big chance early on when he hit the post from close range after being played in by Elanga.
Later had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half but he strayed needlessly beyond the last defender and a man of his experience and ability should know better.
His poor finishing continued in the second half as he shot straight at a Watford defender with the goal gaping.
Subs
Jadon Sancho (for Fred, 62′) – 5
Failed to make the desire impact with United arguably looking more threatening with Fred in the team.
One long-range curling effort that went over the bar.
Luke Shaw (for Telles, 74′) – 5
A fairly anonymous display though he was not given a lot of time to make a difference from left-back.
Marcus Rashford (for Matic, 74′) – 4
Like Sancho, he did not impact the match with Watford finishing the last ten minutes stronger than United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
