A first half goal from Marcus Rashford proved enough to fire Manchester United to a victory over Watford at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United ended their 2017-18 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Watford at Old Trafford, courtesy a Marcus Rashford strike.
After a sluggish start to the game, the hosts managed to break the deadlock in the 34th minute, when Michael Carrick released Juan Mata with a wonderful aerial ball, only for the Spaniard to serve the ball up on a plate for Rashford to slot home.
The home team struggled to create meaningful opportunities from thereon though, while the Hornets threatened to play spoilsport on occasions, but in the end, Jose Mourinho’s men managed to hold on their slender lead and come away with three points from the game.
The Red Devils finish the season in second place, a whopping 19 points below champions Manchester City. The focus now, however, will turn to their FA Cup finals against Chelsea the coming weekend. Here’s how we rated the displays of the Manchester United stars on the day.
FT: #MUFC 1 Watford 0.
Our 1000th @PremierLeague game ends in victory thanks to @MarcusRashford's first-half goal! ? #MUNWAT pic.twitter.com/Z3zDaMAQaW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 13, 2018
Sergio Romero: 7/10
Making his first Premier League appearance of the season, the Argentine international produced a stunning stop to deny Richarlison in the first period. Did have little else to do.
Matteo Darmian: 6/10
Starting ahead of Antonio Valencia, the Italian full-back looked positive and offered decent support going forward on the right side. Fairly solid in defence as well, in what could very well be his final appearance at the Old Trafford.
Eric Bailly: 7/10
Reinstated into the starting XI, the Ivory Coast international put in a typically solid and steady display in the heart of the defence. Made several important interceptions throughout, was cool and composed on the ball. There were a couple of moments when he seemed to switch off, but definitely staking a strong claim for a start in the FA Cup final.
Marcos Rojo: 6/10
Booked very early into the game for a reckless challenge. Didn’t always look convincing, but the Argentine centre-half made several important interventions, with the tackle on Richarlison late in the game particularly standing out. Still looks rusty, though.
Ashley Young: 6/10
Looked up for the battle against his former club and wasn’t afraid to go into crunching tackles, one of which ended up earning him a booking. Was a decent outlet down the left side, but without a proper target to aim at in the box, often chose to play the ball infield.
Today's #MUFC Man of the Match?
It's Carrick, you knooooow! ?? pic.twitter.com/AUu9XpIPOh
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 13, 2018
Michael Carrick: 8/10
It may have been just his fourth start of the season, but the veteran midfielder looked like he had been playing regularly week in week out. Started out sharply, pinging passes forward for Rashford to chase down. His pass to find Mata in the lead up to the goal was pure class. Got a rousing ovation when subbed off, nothing less than what he deserves for his wonderful service to the club. Farewell, captain!
Scott McTominay: 6/10
The academy graduate once again put a neat and disciplined performance in the middle of the park for the Red Devils without particularly standing out. Worked extremely hard and made an important clearance late on. Needs to polish his distribution, though.
Daley Blind: 6/10
A rare outing for the Netherlands international, that too in a central midfield slot. Did the basics right, kept it simple and uncomplicated for most parts, exuding his usual calmness and composure. Lack of pace does tend to hamper his effectiveness at times.
Juan Mata: 7/10
Looked sharp throughout with his intelligent movement and passing. Played a brilliant cross to Alexis Sanchez in the first period, which the Chilean failed to make the most of. Unselfishly laid on the ball for Rashford for the goal, after making a smart run to get on the end of Carrick’s pass.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5/10
Fired a wayward shot over the bar early on, but showed good composure to slot home the only goal of the game. Worked hard, ran the channels well, but it didn’t always work out for him. However, the goal will have done his confidence a world of good ahead of the cup final.
Only Romelu Lukaku (36) has been directly involved in more goals than Marcus Rashford (21) this season. #mufc [Squawka] pic.twitter.com/tM2I7pWsFN
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) May 13, 2018
Alexis Sanchez: 6/10
Volleyed a shot wide after being found by Mata inside the box. Worked his socks off once again, running and pressing, trying to make things happen in the attacking third of the pitch. Did not lack effort, but failed to make a telling impact.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw: 5/10
Replaced Young just before the hour mark. Didn’t do much apart from getting booked late on in the game.
Ander Herrera: N/A
On for Blind in the 76th minute. A good run into the box late on, but failed to find any of his teammates with his cutback.
Paul Pogba: N/A
Came on for Carrick with less than ten minutes left.
