- United visited Vicarage Road on the back of a dismal run interrupted by the international break, desperately in need of a good performance and above all a win. At the end, it was a shocking performance by the Red Devils as Watford turned out 4-1 winners, two of those goals coming in injury time with United looking for an equaliser. The first half by United was one of the worst I have seen during Solskjaer’s reign at the helm. The team looked disjointed and could not cope with the high pressing by the Watford players. After De Gea had twice saved a re-taken penalty kick from Sarr, Watford continued to dominate and managed to score twice by half-time, as the United players committed one mistake after the other and failed to create anything meaningful upfront, apart from a Rashford attempt which was saved by Foster. The second half started with United trying to make amends and within minutes, Van De Beek took full advantage of a Ronaldo lay-off to head home and the comeback looked to be on. United continued to be the better side and created more chances but failed to capitalise, until Maguire left no other choice for the referee but to send him off for a second yellow card. United continued to create chances however and were wasteful in front of goal, or else found Foster in good form and he thwarted anything coming his way. The two goals at the end of the match made the loss even more embarrassing but it is no less than United deserved, particularly after the performance in the first half.
- I have always supported Ole since he became manager of our club. He is a club legend as a player and will always remain such. The love for United sets him apart from other managers of the club post-Ferguson and I really had the belief that he would bring back the glory years. The situation the club is in at the moment though makes me think that he will not survive this latest defeat at Watford. It not really about the defeat but the level of performances by the team. The players are playing well below their capabilities, their heads are not in the right place and at the end, the buck stops with the Manager. Obviously, it’s not for me to decide but I can see only one outcome at this point. That said, I certainly hope that there is a replacement already lined up, not just anyone but a manager who can take United to the next level. United have a crucial Champions League tie away to Villareal in mid-week and we cannot afford to lose. I am just hoping that the Board does not sack Ole just for the sake of it.
- Special mention from this match against Watford has to go for one of the few bright spots in a dull day. Jadon Sancho was excellent and he showed the fans what they should expect in the coming months and years from him. Lively when called into action, always looking to surge forward, good awareness and some sublime crosses, one of which led to United’s goal.
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Article contributed by Contributor Roderick. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.