Another day another United loss, it’s all becoming a tad too familiar for the Red faithful as Jose Mourinho’s side slumped to their third defeat in eight days.
Vicarage Road isn’t an easy place to visit, but United hadn’t been beaten by Watford in over 30 years and coming off the back of two defeats you expected the Reds to respond to their recent failures with a win over Walter Mazzarri’s side. However, it wasn’t to be as United faltered while Watford took their chances well to send Mourinho into a mini meltdown after seeing his side lose 3-1.
Here’s how the Reds’ rated:
David De Gea- Perhaps should’ve done better for Etienne Capoue’s opener and seemed to struggle from a lack of communication with Chris Smalling. Probably his worst United game in years. 4
Luke Shaw- Got forward well but wasn’t his best day and ended up being subbed. 5
Antonio Valencia- While he may have cut out some of his defensive mistakes his crossing is still poor and if United are to get over this slump it may be time to give Timothy Fosu-Mensah a go a right back. 5
Chris Smalling- His return to the side at the expense of Daley Blind has brought nothing but confusion and nerves to the heart of United’s defence. 4
Eric Bailly – What’s happened to the player who started his United career like a young Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic? Against Watford he was more like William Prunier. Embarrassing at times – especially in the lead up the penalty for the Hornet’s third. 4
Marouane Fellaini- He may not be the most popular player among United fans but he’s not helped by being expected to do the job of two men in the Red midfield at times. Kept Roberto Pereyra quiet for much of the game. 6
Paul Pogba- Almost scored a cracker with a dipping shot that hit the bar but other than that was almost anonymous at times and seemed to cut a frustrated figure. Needs to be given a clearer role in the team other than just seemingly left to his own devices. 5
Anthony Martial- Should’ve been subbed after a head knock and was dispossessed for the home side’s first goal – arguably by a foul. 5
Marcus Rashford- Only positive in a poor game for the entire United side, if it wasn’t for young Marcus there’d be no reason to bother at times. Got on the score sheet after persevering. 7
Wayne Rooney- Why can’t Jose see what everyone else can? Rooney was shocking, gave the ball away constantly and did absolutely nothing positive when United were attacking. How he starts is a complete mystery. 3
Zlatan Ibrahimovic- Almost put United in the lead at 1-1 with a header but it wasn’t his best day and he needs better movement around him. 5
Subs-
Ashley Young for Martial – Tried to impose himself on the game and carry out defensive duties, average in both respects. 5
Juan Mata for Valencia- Couldn’t influence game in the half hour he was given. 6
Memphis for Shaw – N/A
Referee – Michael Oliver – Could’ve given a free kick in the lead up to the Hornet’s first goal and was a bit too quick to book United players but it was hardly a terrible game. 5
Jose Mourinho – Not good enough from the United manager who yet again picked the wrong team and made the wrong changes then blamed the ref. 4