Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Watford boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation as they secured only their second Premier League win this term against a disappointing Manchester United 2-0 team at Vicarage Road yesterday.

The result sees the Hornets move within six points of safety and level on points with Norwich in 19th, while United remain eighth.

David de Gea’s error gifted Watford their opening goal, with Ismaila Sarr’s mishit shot bouncing through his arms and striking him in the face before going in. Troy Deeney compounded a miserable day for United as he registered his first league goal since April with a penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s foul on Sarr. Not even the introduction of Paul Pogba — returning after a near three-month absence — as a substitute could raise United, who failed to register a shot on target until the hosts were already two goals ahead.

And while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side did attempt to chase the game, Watford also had chances to add to their tally and deserved only their third league victory ever over United. Solskjaer celebrated his first anniversary in charge of Manchester United on Thursday but while his first game in charge resulted in a thumping 5-1 victory at Cardiff, this performance was the polar opposite.

A recurring complaint throughout the season has been United’s lack of midfield creativity and the ability play through teams in the bottom half of the table. And this was another unimaginative and ponderous display, which was eventually punished by their resolute opponents. — BBCSport.