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.
9. Bruno Fernandes- 6
Had four chances in the first half, the best of which was a one-on-one effort that was saved by Ben Foster after 12 minutes. The midfielder also saw a few efforts blocked in the second period and ended up dropping deeper late on as Ralf Rangnick introduced more attackers. Fernandes was lively and always an option in possession, but he couldn’t find that game-changing ball.
10. Paul Pogba- 7
Played from the left wing for the first hour, but popped up all over the place and constantly drifted inside. Pogba’s positional play caused Watford issues all afternoon and he created plenty of openings for team-mates. The No.6 should have done better with a chance early in the second half which he placed wide.
11. Cristiano Ronaldo- 5
The striker hit the post in the early stages and had a goal ruled out for offside in a frustrating afternoon for the 37-year-old. Ronaldo was more involved in the build-up than in recent weeks but had some awkward touches in possession. The Portugal star is struggling to make an impact at present.
12. Jadon Sancho- 7 (on 62)
Had a very lively cameo at Old Trafford and caused Craig Cathcart repeated issues down Watford’s right flank. He went close with a curling effort on the 90-minute mark.