Analysis: Manchester United

Manchester United set up in a 4-3-3 structure, switching to a 4-5-1 defensively. The opening exchanges of the game produced few real chances. Neither team appeared willing to take the initiative.

Michael Carrick, ending his playing career, had a key role by dropping and building the attacks for United from midfield, with Juan Mata coming in from the right and making runs in behind to complement Marcus Rashford. Scott McTominay had some problems early on, losing the ball several times and allowing Watford the opportunity to counter.

The freedom of Alexis Sanchez and Mata stood out in United’s build-up play during the first half. When Daley Blind, as one example from midfield, dropped to create a double pivot with Carrick and drag out a Watford midfielder, Sanchez would come inside, while full-back Ashley Young would go high and offer width.

This rotation allowed United to find gaps to exploit in Watford’s midfield, but McTominay had an important role. The 21-year-old needed to drift higher and occupy Abdoulaye Doucoure, to allow the wingers to receive in greater space. This wasn’t without its weakness, as United were left vulnerable to the counter in the wide areas when their full-backs were positioned higher.

It was clear from the opening stages that getting Carrick on the ball deep was crucial to unlocking Watford’s defensive structure – and his positioning was key in the goal. Carrick dropped to receive without pressure before playing a pass into Mata, who had run centrally in behind the Hornets’ defence. Rashford was in support of the Spaniard to score in the 34th minute.

The freedom of Mata and Sanchez to drift and make runs from deep, or to drop and receive, made the pair difficult to pick up. They caused a number of problems for Watford in the first half.

The Hornets took more control of the game in the second half. Jose Mourinho’s team, typically, were unconcerned by having less possession and dropping lower. Sanchez and Rashford were the main outlets in sparking any counter.

The hosts did, however, have issues in the wide areas. As Sanchez didn’t help to track the offensive runs of Daryl Janmaat, Young was vulnerable on the left side. After the latter picked up an early yellow card, Mourinho opted to replace him with Luke Shaw in a bid to gain defensive stability on that flank.

United created an intelligence between counter-attacks and discipline to prevent Watford from gaining any momentum back in to the game. They managed the contest well to see out the win.