United went 2-0 down at half-time and a second-half red card by Harry Maguire only made things worse in the Premier League clash on Saturday.
Follow Us
Manchester United’s struggling season continues to go from bad to worse, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Watford. It was United’s first match after losing the Manchester derby 2-0 in their last game before the international break. The team was expected to show some reaction after their defeat in the derby, but the scoreline took a turn for worse on Saturday. As a result of the defeat, United have fallen down to seventh in the Premier League table, having accumulated 17 points from 12 matches. On the other hand, Watford have jumped to 16th with 13 points from the same number of matches.
The latest defeat is a big blow to Solskjaer, who has been criticised heavily in recent weeks. With his future unclear at the moment, the heavy defeat on Saturday will not help his cause in any way. The match started with the visitors struggling to deal with the high pressing of a well-shaped Hornets side. They were in trouble from the start when Scott McTominay bundled forward Joshua King inside the box.
But United goalkeeper David de Gea stood tall and twice saved Ismaila Sarr’s penalties. After saving the first spot-kick, Kiko Femenia turned in the rebound from a tight angle only for the goal to be ruled out because of player encroachment. From the re-take, de Gea saved again, as United players cleared the ball away.
Undeterred by the disappointment, Watford kept attacking and were forcing United to make multiple mistakes at the back. The goal finally arrived when King had opened the scoring from an Emmanuel Dennis’ assist. Not long after, Sarr made up for his penalty miss by neatly placing a right-footed shot across de Gea’s goal to double Watford’s lead.
United’s response in the second half was swift. Donny van de Beek, who replaced McTominay, turned the ball in the net from Cristiano Ronaldo’s pull back after Jadon Sancho found the Portuguese star with an inch-perfect cross from the right. United seemed more purposeful in the half and were moving the ball better, as they continued to be a threat.
However, Harry Maguire was booked twice in seven minutes and the Red Devils were down to 10-man. The hosts took full advantage of it, increasing their advantage in the dying moments of the game when Joao Pedro and Dennis added a third and fourth for the home side, as the home fans erupted in joy.
Steven Gerrard started his reign as Aston Villa manager with a late 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, thanks to Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings’ goals. With just six minutes remaining, Watkins received the ball from substitute Ashley Young. He went forward in the left channel and cut inside to hit the ball into the top corner. England team-mate and Villa captain Mings then added a second in the 89th minute.
Meanwhile, Norwich City also began life under new head coach Dean Smith with an impressive come-from-behind victory at Carrow Road. Rallying from a goal down against Southampton, they went level through Pukki before skipper Hanley headed home a winner with 12 minutes to go. Elsewhere, Newcastle United twice came from behind to play out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Brentford on Saturday.
