Man Utd 0 Watford 0 LIVE REACTION: Rangnick’s men stumble in top four race with bore draw at Old Trafford – updates
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MANCHESTER UNITED stumbled in their attempt to assert themselves into the Premier League top four race with a 0-0 bore draw against Watford.
Bruno Fernandes had big chances to score and Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside on what was a torrid afternoon for Ralf Rangnick's men.
- Kick-off time: 3pm
- UK TV channel: N/a
- US TV channel and live stream: NBC Sports
- Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Telles; Fernandes, Matic, Fred, Pogba; Elanga, Ronaldo.
- Watford XI: Foster; Ngakia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Louza, Cleverley, Sissoko; Sarr, King, Dennis.
That's all from Old Trafford
Despite the score-line ending at 0-0, it was very entertaining to watch as a neutral.
Manchester United threw the entire kitchen at Watford, never mind just the kitchen sink, but it evidently wasn't enough to break them down.
Ralf Rangnick's side will feel a little hard done by because Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside, and the Portuguese star was denied a penalty appeal which seemed debatable.
However, hen you only manage to get three shots on target, from 22 attempts, ultimately, you only have yourself to blame.
Thank you for tuning in you SunSport legends and I hope you enjoy the rest of your Saturday!
On the itinerary for Watford
That was a huge point for Roy Hodgson’s side but they can't get too carried away because the Hornets have a couple of tough fixtures coming up themselves, which could prove crucial in their survival mission.
Watford welcome their training ground neighbours Arsenal to Vicarage Road before travelling to the West Midlands to take on Wolves four days later.
Once that's out the way, the Hornets play Southampton at St. Mary’s three days after, then they’ll be hosting a rejuvenated Everton side coached by Frank Lampard in their own backyard.
But there's a more difficult Merseyside hurdle which lies ahead because on April 2, Watford travel up North to take on Liverpool at Anfield.
What next for Manchester United
I'm afraid it doesn't get any easier for the Red Devils because they arguably have the most difficult next five fixtures in world football.
Firstly, Manchester United travel to the Etihad to take on local rivals and league leaders Manchester City.
This is followed up with a home contest against their top four competition Spurs before travelling to Liverpool who are hunting a second Premier League title in three years.
They then start April by welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford which will be a tricky task despite their recent form.
But in between those four Premier League matches, on March 15, Man United play their perfectly poised Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid.
A refreshed Premier League chart
Manchester United have missed out on a big opportunity to open up a gap between themselves and the other teams chasing a Champions League spot.
The Red Devils are now only two points clear of 5th place Arsenal who have THREE games in hand over them.
As for Watford, they still have a lot of work to do if they are to make it out of this relegation scrap.
But picking up a point at Old Trafford this afternoon will give them the confidence needed to do it.
Credit: premierleague.com Old dog with new tricks
To emphasise my Man of the Match nomination, Ben Foster became the oldest visiting goalkeeper at Old Trafford to not conceded a goal.
The only other keeper to do that wasn't bad either.
Man of the match award
There were a few strong contenders for man of the match but in my opinion, it has to go to Watford goalkeeper, Ben Foster.
The Englishman commanded his box really well especially when his team needed him from potential set-piece danger.
In addition to that, Foster pulled off some excellent stops particularly in the first half which eventually would deny Manchester United from taking all three points.
The full time match receipts
Manchester United did everything correct but put the ball in the back of the net this afternoon and those shot at goal statistic tell you the reason why.
They had 22 attempts on goal and only three managed to hit the target.
Even stevens in the end
Watford frustrate Manchester United by holding them to a draw which could be a pivotal moment for both sides at either ends of the table,
Credit: @WatfordFC Full time - Man Utd 0-0 Watford
Well that result wasn't placed in the script at Old Trafford.
For all of Manchester United's attacking prowess on the field, they still couldn't breakdown the Hornets.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford - Dennis could have won it!
90+3. The Hornets managed to breakaway with Emmanuel Dennis leading the charge.
He found himself in acres of space but instead of playing in Imran Louza, he decided to shoot.
However, the striker's effort ended up being way wide of the mark.
What a story that could have been for the visitors.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
90+2. But it sails directly into Ben Fosters' arms.
That should be that.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
90+2. Bruno Fernandes with a strike!......
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
90+1. The Hornets have every single player behind the ball as they hope to keep the Red Devils out.
It's now or never for Manchester United!
Three minutes of stoppage time left!
Man Utd 0-0 Watford - OOO unlucky Sancho!
89. Raphael Varane floated a ball out to the left which Jadon Sancho controlled superbly.
The young Englishman then cut inside before letting fly, but his effort went just over Ben Foster's bar.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
88. Every time the visitors get the ball clear, Manchester United just keep coming back for more.
It really is turning into an onslaught from the Red Devils but can they score a last minute winner?
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
85. The game has suddenly become stretched as Manchester United are throwing caution to the wind here.
Ralf Rangnick's side cannot afford to drop points with their Champions League rivals Arsenal breathing down their necks.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford - What was he thinking?!
82. Emmanuel Dennis had the perfect opportunity to construct a perfect counter-attack and snatch the points away from United.
However, the Watford forward opted to go it alone instead of slipping in Moussa Sissoko who was overlapping him and cheaply lost the ball.
Very poor decision making.
Frustrating day at the office
Manchester United are throwing everything they have at Watford but so far, the Hornets are staying firm.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
78. It sails over.
What a hit that was though.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
78. Luke Shaw!.....
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
78. Free-kick for the Red Devils in a dangerous positon.
Will this be the moment?
Man Utd 0-0 Watford
76. Less than 15 minutes to go in this encounter as Watford battle to hold onto a point.
Manchester United currently have Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho on the field.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford - What a block!
75. Bruno Fernandes was slipped through by Marcus Rashford which lead to the Portuguese international baring down on goal.
But in came Samir who lunged himself at the ball, denying Fernandes of grabbing the winner.
That was sensational.
Man Utd 0-0 Watford - Double change in the offing for United
73. Ralf Rangnick is desperate for these three points as he adds another attacker to the field.
- Nemanja Matic - OFF
- Alex Telles - OFF
- Marcus Rashford - ON
- Luke Shaw - ON