Sometimes in football, a little luck can go a long way, and against Watford United certainly got theirs.
Having taken an early lead thanks to Memphis Depay, Louis van Gaal’s men controlled the game but came perilously close to throwing it all away in what played out to be a frantic finish.
But nonetheless, they managed to crawl over the finish line with all three points and restore them back to the top of the table for a few hours at least.
See how the squad got on below.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Middlesbrough 1-0 QPR report & match highlights: Relive the last-gasp penalty DRAMA at the Riverside
(Video) Nice 3-0 Lyon report & match highlights: Hatem Ben Arfa inspires Aiglons to shock triumph
Atletico Madrid look to spurn Arsenal interest in talented Ligue 1 starlet
David de Gea – 9/10
A stunningly world class performance from the Spaniard kept United ahead when Watford looked to be breaking back into the game. Unlucky with the penalty.
Ashley Young – 7/10
Played well for the most part, but clearly finds it easier going forward.
Phil Jones – 7/10
Broke forward very well and did his duty at the back, but was forced off with a foot injury.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
Seems to get better with every game, though he had a few hairy moments towards the end.
Daley Blind – 6/10
Unusually quiet. Struggled to impose himself on the game.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6/10
Linked well with the forwards and was given licence to roam further ahead.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 8/10
Absorbed pressure well in the middle and won the game with a very lucky effort.
Juan Mata – 7/10
United’s creative force, everything good went through him, but without a recognised striker his efforts sometimes went lacking.
Ander Herrera – 6/10
Like Blind, he struggled to impose himself on the game and didn’t look himself.
Jesse Lingard – 8/10
Did his chances of an extended run in the first team no harm at all. Should have scored late on.
Memphis Depay – 9/10
Finally a strong performance from the Dutchman. Looked a threat all afternoon and took his goal very well.
Subs:
Marcos Rojo: 5/10 – His clumsy challenge led to Watford’s penalty.
Paddy McNair: 6/10 – Stepped in and covered well for injured Jones.
Andreas Pereira: 5/10 – Didn’t have enough time to make a meaningful impact.