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Manchester United 2 Watford 1 | Talking Points

Manchester United got a bit of “ole” luck in Solskjaer’s first game as permanent manager of the Red Devils as they narrowly beat Watford 2-1.

Watford were confident and outplayed Manchester United for much of the game but could only muster a late consolation goal as United picked up all three points. Javi Gracia made five changes to the team that played last game as Ben Foster returned to the goal with Daryl Janmaat, Christian Kabasele, Miguel Britos and Adam Masina also returning to the side.

A sublime pass from Luke Shaw in the 28th minute caught Watford on the counter-attack. The pass found its way to Marcus Rashford who capitalized with ease, slotting the ball past Ben Foster at the top of the 18-yard box to give United a 1-0 lead.

Watford continued to press the Red Devils, dominating possession and playing with the confidence we’ve seen all season long under Gracia. The teams went into the break with United on top.

It would be the 72nd minute when United doubled their lead through Anthony Martial despite calls for offside and a possible foul on Foster. Neither were called on Martial who worked the Watford defence and chipped the ball into the goal giving United a 2-0 lead. Watford took a dagger to the heart as United had been under pressure much of the half.

In the 90th minute, Watford would deservedly get one back as Abdoulaye Doucoure played a nice give and go with Issac Success through the centre of United’s defence and put the ball past David De Gea. This proved too little too late however and the game ended 2-1 to United.

Gracia Defensive Changes

It was another case of wholesale changes for Watford who also had an FA Cup Quarterfinal tie on Sunday to worry about. It would appear Gracia was saving his starters for the cup match as the likes of Miguel Britos, who’s been rarely used this season and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who lost his starting spot to Adrian Mariappa, both made appearances.

 

In defence, Daryl Janmaat and Kiko Femenia are interchangeable on the right flank. However, Adam Masina, who played well at Old Trafford, is a step down from the 32-year-old Jose Holebas who is still nursing a foot injury and was saved for the FA Cup match.

This is the third time this season Gracia has made big changes in the starting XI but it didn’t work in his favour as Watford continue to keep an eye on the FA Cup.

Ole’s New Era

It’s been the better part of three months and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can do no wrong. As the interim manager, Solskjaer guided the Red Devils to a 10-2-1 record in the Premier League, putting them into the top four. While the honeymoon isn’t over for this former United player, there are many unanswered questions yet to face.

First it appears he was an impulse assignment, especially for a club of this size, coming from Molde FK in the Eliteserien. Currently, it’s all smiles and excitement but there will come a time when his leadership is called into question. Will he have what it takes at that point to manage a club the size of United?

There needs to be a hard look at some of the “old guard” and under-performing players still on the books at United.  Alexis Sanchez immediately springs to mind as the club is top heavy in attackers and the Chilean’s £350,000 per week salary may be better spent elsewhere.

Questions also remain over the defence. Are Phil Jones and Chris Smalling still viable in defence? Antonio Valencia, the team captain is set to move on, so there will come a small rebuilding phase to cull some of the dead weight that wears red. United could well be in for a centre half and a full back this upcoming transfer window.

Gracia Manager of the Year

While all the talk has centred around Nuno Espirito Santo and Wolves’ rise in the Premier League since winning the Championship last season, others are talking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the second coming at United as the Norwegian can seemingly do no wrong.

However, I offer up Javi Gracia as a candidate for manager of the year. He came in under adverse conditions last season. He was left with an uninspired group of young players, a defence laden with injuries and an out of form, ageing captain in Troy Deeney. They finished off 2017/18 in 14th on 41 points with a -20 goal differential.

This season Watford, with virtually the same team, are in 10th on 43 points and a -3 goal differential. Gracia has brought a positive attitude to the club that has been apparent on the pitch as they have been very consistent all season long. They continue to battle for a Europa League position as well as the aforementioned quarterfinals of the FA Cup. His leadership has been a breath of fresh air at Vicarage Road this season.

Man of the match in a losing effort, Doucoure, who netted late for the Hornets, represents the heart Watford have on the pitch when facing an opponent such as United. He’s been a big part of the team this season and could potentially represent a big hole next season if he sold during the summer.

Stephen Toumi

Watford supporter! #FPL ID#446 | Vegan | Craft beer enthusiast, homebrewer #FPLBeerClub | #30SecondBeerReview Host of Pitch & Pint Pod #pitchpintpod

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