REDLYUNITED

Thursday, 3 March 2016

Manchester United 1 - 0 Watford: Player Ratings

De Gea: 7
Made a number of superb blocks for the team. Worthy of mention is a block from ighalo midway the first half.

Varela: 7
Did a nice job defensively and offensively. Pulled in a number of decent crosses. Neat and tidy all through.

Blind: 5
The most experienced of the makeshift back four, a lot was expected of him. He wasn't at his commanding best. Gave away the ball easily in the first half that gave the visitors a chance, but redeemed himself in the second half with some vital blocks

Rojo: 6.5
Good to see him back in the team after his injury. Another solid performance from the Argentine.

Fosu-Mensah:8
What a performance from the Dutchman. In his first start for the first team. Did a good job on Ighalo. He may have appeared overzealous, but he was a great positive.

Schneiderlin: 7
The Frenchman was a top shield for the fragile back four. Had a pop at goal with a outside shot that was close to target. An effective performance from the midfielder.

Herrera: 6.5
Again starting deep, did nothing wrong, but wasn't at his optimum.

Martial: 7
Started on the right, which obviously reduced his effectiveness. Was a little lively when he switched over to the centre in the second half. Caused a lot of problems for the Watford defenders with his movements. He was the United player fouled and Mata scored the resulting free kick

Mata: 9
Another spectacular performance from the playmaker. He was United's chief orchestra in the final third on the night. Initiated a lot of moves, picked the right passes, and finally scored the only goal of the match from a well taken free kick. He's our man of the match.

Memphis: 6
A huge drop from his most recent performances. Lacked the quality to go past his marker and has a number of wasted efforts.

Rashford: 7
Another impressive outing for the young striker. Though he lacked the goals, he showed again the raw talent he is. Started in the middle as the front man, but was subdued by the tight Watford defence. When he moved to the right, he showed his pace, ability to beat his marker and could have assisted a goal.

Substitutes

Matteo Darmian: 6
Came on and perfectly replaced Rojo.

Lingard: 5
Came on late, didn't have enough time on the ball, though he made some good runs with the ball.

Paddy McNair: No Ratings
Came on too late

Van Gaal explains Carrick's absence against Watford

The manager has erased doubts of an injury on the player. He was a surprise omission from the squad that faced Watford on Wednesday.

However Van Gaal has did he rested the players because he has played a lot of games in a short time.

Speaking to the media before the game, he said:

"He (Carrick) is rested because he played two matches in a row. He's not the youngest so we take no risks."

Confirmed team news: Manchester United Vs Watford:Rashford and Fosu-Mensah starts

Here's the Manchester United starting eleven for the night:

De Gea; Varela, Blind, Rojo, Fosu-Mensah; Schneiderlin, Herrera; Martial ,Mata, Memphis; Rashford.

Subs: Romero, McNair, Darmian, Riley, Lingard, Rothwell, Weir.

Juan Mata captains the side tonight.

Manchester United could hit another milestone tonight with two goals

Manchester United will be aiming to make it four wins in four matches, when Watford comes visiting.

There are a lot of statistics attached to the game, but most importantly, United need just two (2) goals to become the first Premier League to score 1000 home goals in the league.

United have scored 998 goals in 456 league games at Old Trafford, and could clinch that record if they score two or more goals tonight.

In other stats

Only Manchester United (5) have drawn more Premier League games 0-0 this season than Watford (4).

United are looking to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since November 21- 2015: when they beat Watford at Vicarage Road.

Marcus Rashford has scored four goals from five shots on target in his first two games for United.

Watford have never won an away league match against Manchester United.

United have scored 11 goals in their last 3 games at Old Trafford, after scoring just 12 in their previous 13.

Manchester United Vs Liverpool Europa clash could get new kick off time

Manchester United and Trafford council have submitted a request to UEFA for the change in the kick off time for the round of 16 Europa League second leg match billed for Old Trafford, according to Manchester Evening News.

UEFA had already schedule the match to kickoff 6pm Manchester time on Thursday March 17, however United and the Trafford council are requesting the match be moved to 8pm. March 17 is celebrated as St. Patrick day.

UEFA is currently considering the request.

Checkout Manchester United 18 man squad to face Watford: Carrick out

Louis Van Gaal has included another academy product Joe Rothwell in the squad for tonight's match.

The 21year old midfielder joined United at the age of six, and has had loan spells at Blackpool and Barnsley. If he plays tonight he becomes the fifteenth (15) academy player under Van Gaal to play for the senior side.

The surprise omission from the team is midfielder Michael Carrick. The player played the whole 90 minutes against Arsenal, and there's been no report of an injury.

The duo of Matteo Darmian and Anthony Martial made the team, while defender Smalling is still missing.

Here's the 18 man squad according to M.E.N

De Gea, Romero, Darmian, Varela, Poole, Blind, Riley, Rojo, Fosu-Mensah, Rothwell, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Mata, Lingard, Memphis, Weir, Rashford, Martial

4-2-3-1: My Manchester United eleven to face Watford: Smalling and Martial to start

Manchester United will be hoping to make it four wins in four matches when the team host Watford later tonight.

The team may welcome the trio of Smalling, Darmian and Martial. These three were starters before their injury and may walk back into the starting eleven.

Van Gaal has also confirmed that Marcos Rojo stands a good chance of playing, after he only suffered a knock in the Arsenal game.

De Gea starts in goal.

Darmian, Smalling, Blind and Rojo should start in defence depending on which of them is passed fit enough to start.

That looks like the best and most experienced back four United can produce for the night.

Carrick start in the midfield alongside Ander Herrera. The midfield battle between the trio of Carrick, Herrera and Schneiderlin is a tough on, and based on current form, they all deserve to start, but I opt for the duo of Carrick and Herrera.

Mata starts in his favorite number 10 position, with improving Depay and Lingard staring on the left and right respectively.

The good headache for Van Gaal tonight is who to start upfront. With an inform Rashford and retiring Martial.

I'll opt for a Martial return.

Who would you want to see start upfront for United tonight?

Martial or Rashford

Van Gaal warns the media about Rashford: ' Leave him in peace'

Van Gaal doesn't want the media to beam their searchlight and cameras too much on the youngster, despite believing the player has the personality to deal with his new found stardom.

The teenager has only started two games for the first team, but has scored four important goals in key matches. His firstly brace against Midtjylland in the Europa League aided United's qualification into the round of 16, and his second brace against the Gunners in three days helped restore United's confidence in the league and superiority over Arsene Wenger's side.

Speaking ahead of the match with Watford, he said (Via manutd.com)

"First, I think that the media have to leave him in peace.

"When you are in front of his house and that kind of stuff, I don’t think that is beneficial for a boy of 18 years old years old, and we shall guide him also in that way.

But he is a very modest guy, so I don’t think that shall be a problem. Of course, when you have so much attention from the media, it can go in another way.

"I believe he shall keep his feet on the ground."

The player is in line to start his third game for United against Watford, but with Martial also almost ready for a start, Van Gaal will have some selection headache picking on of the two good young players.

Who would you want to see start upfront for United tonight?

Martial or Rashford...

Van Gaal explains why United didn't sign a new striker in January

The Dutchman has explained why he did not sign another striker during the January transfer window.

With United struggling for goals, during the December period, a lot of fans expected United to sign a new striker.

However Van Gaal has revealed that he thinks United had enough options upfront as the reason he didn't acquire a new striker.

“I have not bought a striker because of Wayne Rooney and Martial, because they could play in the striker position, and because Rooney is the captain he shall always play. I don’t buy a third striker, so he [Rashford] has the possibility. He told the Guardian.

“He was on the bench at Watford and Leicester. He was having a very good period.

He might have come in for the Watford match but we played another system and Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard played very well." He added.

The decision not to sign a striker was further criticised when the duo of Rooney and Martial got injured in February, but Rashford has since stepped up to the goal scoring demands of the team with four goals in two matches.

The United manager has however confirmed that Martial could be back for the Wednesday match with Watford.

Injury News: United youngster set for operation

Manchester United youngster Will Keane will be operated on, manager Van Gaal has confirmed.

United have suffered a lot of injuries this season, and Keane may also join the long list of long term absentees.

With captain Rooney, Martial and Keane injured, United have had to give teenager Rashford his first team debut, and the player has performed brilliantly.

Keane was injured in the FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town, and may be out for a while.

Van Gaal speaking to the media ahead of Watford's visit said:(Via Independent)

"I have Rooney, I have Martial, I have,Rashford. I had (Will) Keane but Keane is injured and shall be operated on."

Van Gaal has confirmed that Martial could be back for the game, against Watford, but Rooney is still far away from first team duties.

Close Deal: Manchester United join race to sign Argentine star striker

Manchester United are preparing a bid for striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to report from Italy.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are also believed to be interested in the former Madrid striker, but United are ready to overtake them by offering £62.2m for the Napoli Star, according to Corriere dello Sport.

According to the report, José Mourinho wants the striker in his United side next season, and is the one fuelling the deal.

The pair both worked at Madrid and Mourinho may be keen in bringing the player to Old Trafford.

The player and the club are at a stalemate on negotiations for a new contract and the club may be tempted to cash in on the player.

Would you want to see Higuian at United next season?

United star still unsure of his future at Old Trafford: May be forced to leave

Michael Carrick still doesn't know if the club will offer him a new contract.

The midfielder's contract will expire in the summer, and the player is currently free to negotiate with other clubs.

Carrick is one of the most experienced and longest serving United player in the current squad. The deep lying midfielder joined United 10 years ago, and has become one of the most respected figures in the United dressing room.

But the player is still in a dark on his United future. Speaking after the 3-2 win over Arsenal, Carrick said (Via Sky Sports)

"Honestly, I don't know. There's no news at all. I've heard nothing really, so I can't comment at this stage."

Carrick's future may depend on who becomes United's coach next season, but irrespective of that, the player deserves a new contract after serving the club faithfully that long.

Star midfielder could miss Man United Vs Watford clash

Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue is a doubt for his team's visit to Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has been a regular since manager Flores took over, starting every Premier League match.

He was substituted after 57 minutes in Watford's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, and his manager us still not fully convinced he can start against United sighting tiredness.

Speaking ahead of the match at Old Trafford, Flores said: (Via Watford Observer)

“He’s a little bit tired. I talk a lot with Capoue and he knows what I demand from him.

“In the last match, I felt very quickly that he wasn’t concentrated because he is tired."

The player has greatly improved since joining the club and has been putting in wonderful midfield displays.

Over 100,000 fantasy League managers have signed Rashford since Arsenal exploits

Over 106,087 fantasy Premier League managers have signed Manchester United young striker Marcus Rashford since scoring two goals for United against the Gunners on Sunday.

A tweet from the official twitter account of the Premier League revealed this:

106,087 #FPL managers (and counting!)have signed Rashford since Sunday - will you join them? Deadline in 3 hours...
pic.twitter.com /2ZR0IylwQy

7:47 AM - 1 Mar 2016

@ premierleague

League manager sign players and hope for them to perform well in their next league game to earn points.

This shows that expectations are high on the young striker, and a lot of fans are expecting him to score against Watford.

Rojo could play against Watford: Van Gaal confirms

The defender was substituted early into the second half against Arsenal.

Van Gaal confirmed after the match that the player suffered a knock and that he wanted to play thin for just sixty minutes.

Fans and media have been curious about his state, as the player has just returned from a three month injury.

However Van Gaal speaking to the media ahead of the game against Watford said:

"It was a kick. A lot of players receive kicks and they can play the next match."

That means the player stands a good chance of playing against Watford.

Van Gaal confirms three players could be back for Watford match

The Dutchman has confirmed that United could have the trio of Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling and and Matteo Darmian could be in the team to face Watford.

He told the media in his press conference ahead of the tie:

"Players are coming back. It is positive. I think Martial can play, Darmian can play and maybe Smalling - we'll wait and see for tomorrow."

United have been on thin squad recently, after about fourteen (14) players have been out injured. And having these three important players back would be vital.

Meet the three nominees for Manchester United player of the month

The trio of Jesse Lingard, Memphis Depay and Marcus Rashford have been nominated as Manchester United player for the month of February.

The three players have played important roles in how February shaped out for United.

Rashford on his path has just bursted onto the scene at Old Trafford. But with four vital goals in two matches, his importance can't be overlooked. From starting impromptly against Midtjylland and scoring two goals in the process to repeating the same feat against Arsenal, he is a player to watch.

Memphis Depay on his part started February on a sour note, as his misplaced pass against Chelsea led to their late equaliser in United's first game of the month.

He has been a big beneficiary of Wayne Rooney's injury. He scored a goal against FC Midtjylland and has since them been showing up in wonderful ways on the pitch. He was also fantastic against Arsenal over the weekend.

Lingard has been an ever present
force for United this season. He scored a fantastic goal against Chelsea, after starting February with a bang against Stoke. He also scored in United's FA Cup win and assisted Rashford's goal against Arsenal.

Fans can vote either here on the official United website or here, the official twitter handle.

Who is your own favorite player of the month?

Sky Sports Pundit predicts Manchester United Vs Watford tie

Paul Merson is tipping Manchester United to continue their fine form when they host West Ham on Wednesday night.

United are on a fine run of three wins in a role and will be hoping to extend their winning run.

The weekend win over Arsenal would have boosted confidence in the United camp, and a win over the Hammers is almost expected.
West Ham are currently sixth on the table one point behind United in fifth, and a win would further distance United from the London club.

Paul wrote in his column for Sky Sports:

"Man Utd are really getting some momentum behind them and the goals of Marcus Rashford seem to have lifted the whole club and the fans.

'When one of your own scores a couple of goals, then the supporters walk away seeing a brighter future. Away from him, it feels like some of the others are now getting used to playing for a very big club. Anthony Martial was playing in front of small crowds at Monaco and now he's learning his trade in front of
75,000 at Old Trafford. This will be hard against a decent Watford team, but I expect United to win.

Paul is predicting a 2-1 United victory..

What's your prediction?

Former manager analyses why Rashford has better prospects at United than Welbeck

He might have stated only two games for United, but the young striker has been tipped to achieve greater heights with United, than former United striker Danny Welbeck.

The youngster has scored four goals in his first two games for United and has received accolades from various top personalities in football.

However his first manager believes the player can do bigger things with United than Welbeck.

David Horrocks ran the academy that produced United players like Lingard, Welbeck, West Brown, and Ravel Morrison.

"Marcus has far more pace than Danny ever had. Danny would wait for the ball to come to him, Marcus is hungry for it. He has the same mentality to training that Eric Cantona and David Beckham had.

"Personally, I see him as a centre-forward. He has a tremendous pair of shoulders and is built like an athlete. He is so resilient, he can bounce up.

"He got cracked in the face on Thursday night, he wasn't bothered, just bounced right back up. We are proud of what Danny has achieved but I think Marcus will go on and do even better."

David Horrocks was talking to Daily Mail.

Star striker reveals he snubbed United to move to China

Former PSG striker Ezequiel Lavezzi claims he rejected a number of offers from Premier League clubs including Manchester United before he finalizes his move to Chinese club: Hebei China Fortune.

‘I could have signed for Inter Milan, Chelsea or Manchester United

"But I made the decision to go to China.

It’s an important choice for my career, I’m sure I’ll face many challenges here."

He told Canal Plus. (Via Metro)

This likely means United showed some Interest in the player. He since moved on. United could still sign PSG striker Edison Cavani whose father once said he would love to play for teams like United or Real Madrid.

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