Manchester United failed to find the back of the net at Old Trafford on Saturday, and were held to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League encounter with Watford.
The hosts were by far the better team and should really have converted one of their 22 shots. That only three were on target highlights United’s problems against Roy Hodgson’s side.
Their best chances came in the opening period, with Bruno Fernandes squandering a one-on-one opportunity while Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed wide by Ben Foster after rounding the keeper inside the box.
Ronaldo did put the ball in the back of net in the first period but it was correctly ruled offside. The striker, who struggled again over the 90 minutes, also hit the post early on with a chance he really should have scored from.
After the break, the hosts were certainly still on top but lacked the same energy as in the first period, while Watford dropped deeper and reduced the gaps for United to attack into.
Foster was called into action again, with his best save coming midway through the second half when he scrambled across his line to collect the ball after it was deflected goal-wards by Ronaldo.
Overall, it’s a point that will be more valued by the visitors in their battle to avoid the drop, rather than the Red Devils and their hopes of making the Champions League places.
Their best chances came in the opening period, with Bruno Fernandes squandering a one-on-one opportunity while Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed wide by Ben Foster after rounding the keeper inside the box.
5. Alex Telles- 7 (off 74)
Advanced a lot down the left wing and put in the cross from which Ronaldo netted his offside goal. Telles didn’t have much defending to do, and went close with a free-kick on 37 minutes.
6. Fred- 6 (off 62)
Was taken off in the second period as United pushed for a breakthrough. Fred did a good job of hassling the opposition during his hour on the pitch, but misplaced quite a few passes.
7. Nemanja Matic- 7 (off 74)
Played some great long passes out left and his positional sense helped to snuff out opposition attacks. He also saw plenty of the ball and performed well in a rare start.
8. Anthony Elanga- 8
Was a real threat with his direct running and he caused Hassane Kamara issues all game. Elanga ballooned a shot over in the first half and couldn’t quite divert a 56th-minute move by flicking it into the net. Overall, it was another impressive showing from the winger, who was probably United’s best player.