Watford 2-4 Manchester United: Premier League highlights and recap

Manchester United beat Watford 4-2 at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Here are all the highlights from the Premier League match.

Manchester United beat Watford 4-2 at Vicarage Road on Tuesday thanks to two exquisite first-half goals by Ashley Young. They were almost undone in the second half by some lazy defending and an inspired fightback from the home side, but Jesse Lingard’s solo goal sealed the three points.

Watford enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, controlling possession and getting into some good areas thanks to the work of Will Hughes and Richarlison. But for all their positive play, the Hornets weren’t able to create any meaningful openings. Their best chance wasn’t a chance at all, as Richarlison couldn’t quite get on the end of Kiko Femenia’s cross.

Still, even despite Watford’s inability to break down the United defense, the visitors’ opener was hardly deserved. Romelu Lukaku’s excellent turn and pass freed Lingard, before Lingard’s pass found Young. Young controlled somewhat fortunately under pressure before drilling an excellent half-volley past Heurelho Gomes at his near post.

With Watford still reeling from the opener, United made it two. Young was the scorer again, curling in a wonderful free-kick from 30 yards after Abdoulaye Doucoure fouled Paul Pogba, who had run 60 yards through midfield.

When Anthony Martial made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute, however, any confidence Marco Silva’s side had built up in the opening exchanges seemed to have evaporated. A poor clearance landed at the feet of Lukaku, who played a simple ball to Martial for the finish, United’s third goal from their third shot on target.

The second half followed a predictable pattern, with United sitting deep and hoping to hit Watford on the counter. However, the Red Devils seemed to take their foot a little too far off the gas, and almost lost control after Nemanja Matic was forced off with an injury.

United had their chances, but some wasteful finishing from Lukaku led to a nervy finish when Troy Deeney, on as a sub, rolled in a penalty after Marcos Rojo fouled Roberto Pereyra in the box, and Doucoure made it two with a lovely, sweeping finish several minutes later.

Watford’s chances were quickly extinguished, however, following another exquisite solo goal. This was a strange game for United, who went 3-0 up despite never really clicking into gear in the first half, then almost threw it away.

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Highlights

https://twitter.com/missmaxineutd/status/935609090750992387

https://twitter.com/IvanIcey/status/935625329061875724

United closed the gap to City to five points, at least until City’s match against Southampton on Wednesday. Watford will stay eighth, regardless of other results.