Manchester United returned from the international break in winning style, beating Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road and secured their third win of the season. It was a match in which United commanded the game for its most part, creating chances and scoring goals when it was mostly needed – before the half-time break. It was goals through Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling that the Devils earned their comfortable lead, but Andre Gray only managed to halve it in second half.
Here is what we learned from this match.
Pogba Enjoying The Diamond
It was a typically tall central midfield Jose Mourinho chose. Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini played alongside Paul Pogba in one of the tallest and physically strongest midfields you could imagine in any top flight. And Pogba seemed to enjoy it. The Serbian and Belgian did their defensive work very well, especially against Will Huges and Roberto Pereyra, while Pogba did the other stuff.
He made 70 passes, second only to Young’s 73, controlling the play, but his 16 long passes were something that let United swiftly change the way they attacked. Pogba maybe did not create a single chance for his teammates, but was the one that often ended attacks with shots on goal.
Ashley Young’s Creativity Is Needed
With Luke Shaw not starting the match, Ashley Young took his place and he delivered. The experienced Englishman was very alive in this match and Daryl Janmaat did not enjoy that at all. Young was spraying up and down the left flank, not only being part of almost every attack, but also giving an end product.
Young created three chances in this match, interestingly, all three came for Pogba. Two of those came through open play, too, which is a good sign and could be very important for Manchester United.
De Gea Crucial As Always
Some people seriously doubted David De Gea during the World Cup and after this match, that is even more puzzling. The Spaniard was once again very important player for Manchester United. Often, that is not great, as Manchester United should not rely that match on their goalkeeper, but when he is needed, he is always there to deliver.
This time he made four saves, denying Watford from their second goal, something they achieved to do in every of the previous four Premier League matches. De Gea did especially well in the second half, when the Hornets wanted to make a comeback similarly to how they did it against Spurs, but that was not going to happen this time.
Will Hughes Prove Important For Watford
One of the players everyone should watch is former Derby County midfielder. Will Hughes did a good job against Manchester United, showing glimpses of what he can do. The Englishman was one of the most active Watford players and in his attacking midfielder role, he did nicely to pop up with the ball at his feet in the midfield pockets on the right.
He was also decisive defensively, making four tackles in central areas of the pitch, breaking up United attacks.
De gea must earn more. How much is he paid anyway.