Man Utd 2-1 Watford: Five talking points as United win despite Watford dominance

Manchester United scored two breakaway goals to get all three points against a dominant Watford side.

The visitors commanded play from the off, but couldn’t make it count, before Marcus Rashford raced clear to put United ahead.

Luke Shaw won a tackle down the left, before bursting forward releasing Rashford in behind before his composed finish.

Watford pressed in search of an equaliser, forcing several saves out of David de Gea, who was at full stretch to deny Roberto Pereyra.

But for all the Hornets pressure they were once again caught wanting at the back, as United got them on the counter.

Anthony Martial cut in from the left, played a one-two with Rashford before nice combination play from Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira found him again in the box.

Watford keeper Ben Foster tried to smother Martial’s first effort, but the Frenchman got back to his feet to scoop the ball into the net.

Abdoulaye Doucoure played a neat one-two to nick in and pull one back for the Hornets and set up a nervy finish, but it was too late to stage a full comeback.

Here are the talking points…

Ole’s at the wheel

It’s the dawn of a new era at Old Trafford.

And whilst he had already had 19 matches in the managerial hot seat, it was important for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to kick off his permanent reign with a win.

The United fans unfurled a banner before kick off paying homage to their ‘legendary’ boss, who took charge of his first match since signing a three-year contract.

It was a promising performance from United, and there is a positive feeling around the club with Solskjaer at the helm.

The win saw the Red Devils move into the top four, at least until Arsenal play on Monday.

And with a Champions League quarter-final to come, it feels like the good times could well be returning to the red half of Manchester.

All over them like a Rash

He may have missed the international break, but Marcus Rashford returned to action in scintillating fashion.

Having been absent from England duty due to injury, the United frontman looked fresh and gave Watford the runaround.

United were under significant pressure in the opening stages, but Rashford’s goal completely alleviated the tension.

The Hornets back line were no match for his blistering pace as he steamed clear and showed great composure to slot past Ben Foster.

Rashford has been like a man reborn under Solskjaer, who has shown great faith in him.

It’s no secret of the talent Rashford possesses, but at 21 years of age, we may have only just seen the half of it.

Unlucky Watford

It shows how good a job Javi Gracia has done at the Hornets for them to be disappointed at coming away from Old Trafford empty handed.

The omens were not good for Watford coming into the game, having lost all but one of their previous 16 clashes with United.

But they controlled the early stages and put United under some serious pressure.

It was to their detriment that they couldn’t make their dominance count though, as Marcus Rashford nipped in behind to give United the lead.

Nevertheless, Watford pressed on and tried in vain to draw level, before they were caught again on the break.

Despite falling to defeat, and slipping down the table, Watford are still chasing their highest ever Premier League finish however.

On this display, they certainly look good value for it.

He Shaw is good

Even though Rashford will take most of the plaudits for grabbing the goal, a special mention must go to Luke Shaw.

The United defender won the ball back for his team, before driving forward and threading his teammate through with a perfect ball in behind.

He performed solid throughout, and Watford rarely got a sniff down his side of the pitch.

Shaw has had quite a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, and has grown into an increasingly important player for United.

Despite missing out on the latest England squad through injury, he would certainly otherwise have been selected.

And he now looks as though he can make the position his own – at least at Old Trafford – for many years to come.

De Gea still the main man

There is rarely a match that goes by where we don’t mention David de Gea.

But it’s because he is just that… damn… good.

Were it not for him United would have perhaps lost the match, as he made several key saves.

He turned away Troy Deeley’s header early on, and stopped twice down low from Roberto Pereyra during the match – the second of which was at full stretch.

People talk about how strikers win games, but De Gea has more than earned his fair share of points.