Manchester United were made to work hard for their 2-1 win over Watford in what was their first game after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was made the permanent manager.
Manchester United kicked off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as the club’s permanent manager with a hard-earned 2-1 win against Javi Gracia’s Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday.
In what was Solskjaer’s first game in-charge after Manchester United confirmed his appointment as the full-time boss, the Red Devils were off to a stuttering start with the Hornets dominating much of the proceedings early on. However, the visitors failed to make the most of it and were punished as United took the lead through Marcus Rashford, after a brilliant pass from Luke Shaw.
Manchester United went into the half-time on the ascendancy, but it was Watford who started the second period stronger, but once again failed to find a way back. And against the run of play, Manchester United doubled their lead through Anthony Martial’s strike from point-blank range. Abdoulaye Doucoure did pull one back for the visitors late on, but United held on for three points.
It wasn’t a convincing display from the Red Devils, but the win means they move into the fourth place in the Premier League table, a point above Arsenal and level with third-placed Tottenham. Here’s how the United supporters reacted to the victory on social media;
I will take any win anyway it comes, but only for this season. @ManUtd must be in CL. But make no mistake we are @ManUtd not Arsenal, Ole must be backed in the Market and we must challenge on all fronts next season. Changes definitely needed #mutv
— Cantona & Best (@bestcanton7) March 30, 2019
My Manager ?? pic.twitter.com/0jwALEcrEg
— Sumit (@AgileRashford) March 30, 2019
Absolutely dreadful performance, but the three points is all that matters. Please do what needs to be done in the window, we need to spend big time. Back Ole and get in the players he wants. Otherwise we’re going nowhere with this squad.
— Dappo (@LH44JL14) March 30, 2019
Keep calm. It wasn’t a good performance. Loads of potential to improve..
— Ashish Aggarwal (@ashishmanutd7) March 30, 2019
Midfielder was non existent, we need “quality” players coming summer . No one seemed to control the game , we were the home size and we played like away team
— RAUNAK BASAK (@raunak_basak) March 30, 2019
I will repeat it again, Manchester United is ending the season at number 3 or 4 https://t.co/vIwcIEfN8U
— Marie (@MuthoniMaryanne) March 30, 2019
3 very important points.
Lacklustre performance really. Players looked a bit rusty and sluggish but that should be dealt with easily. The Shaw/Rashford counter was the highlight of the game.
Matic, Mata and Young have to go. We really need to spend wisely this summer. #MUNWAT pic.twitter.com/lhx15qItmn
— H (@BusbyBeast) March 30, 2019
FT: United 2 – 1 Watford
Dreadful performance but back to winning ways
Martial goal
Rashford goal
Shaw assist
Top 4
Smiles back onOLE SOLSKJAER’S RED ARMY#MUNWAT
— AJ ? (@r3al___AJ) March 30, 2019
While it was Rashford and Martial that got on the scoresheet, Luke Shaw impressed the most on the field for Manchester United. The England international set up the opening goal with a sublime pass and put in a solid shift in defence as well. And the fans were full of praises for the left-back;
Luke Shaw absolutely burying his haters today! Stunning performance
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) March 30, 2019
Luke Shaw with one of the best performances of the season. Silencing the haters. Top class today. ??
— Red Devil Bible (@RedDevilBible) March 30, 2019
Luke Shaw my MOTM . He was immense today #MUNWAT
— Scholes ?? (@26scholes) March 30, 2019
Luke Shaw has had an amazing season, fair play to the lad.
— Un Prophète (@mediocentr0) March 30, 2019
2-1. Not the best performance but at this stage of the season it’s about getting the job done. Shaw MOTM for me. pic.twitter.com/VUVPsbZwoy
— MUFC Away Days (@mufcaways_) March 30, 2019
Luke Shaw’s half by numbers vs. Watford:
100% tackles won
19/22 final third passes (most on the pitch)
4 ball recoveries
1 assistInvolved everywhere. ? pic.twitter.com/Qq9vadQvnC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2019
Luke Shaw ?
— Awi (@itsawi_) March 30, 2019
Think it’s more to do with what your saying. Luke Shaw to even get back after that injury is a testament to his attitude. He plays well and you want to hammer him
— wez10 (@wezwellings10) March 30, 2019