Bruno Fernandes on the ball against Watford.

United v Watford: Talking points

Sunday 23 February 2020 18:20

Manchester United stretched our unbeaten run to six games in all competitions courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Watford on Sunday.

The Reds had to be patient to break the deadlock during our Premier League clash, before Bruno Fernandes fired us into the lead just before half-time, while goals from Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood wrapped things up in the second period.

Bruno’s first strike for United will, no doubt, have dominated the conversations among many fans as they made their way home from the Theatre of Dreams, but find out what else could be discussed by supporters...

OLD TRAFFORD SALUTES HARRY

Ahead of the game, United fans and players paid tribute to the late Harry Gregg with a minute’s silence, which was observed perfectly by both sets of supporters. A banner was also unveiled in the Stretford End commemorating the United and Northern Ireland great that read: “Forever Red, forever loved, forever grateful.”
The Stretford End unveiled this banner for Harry Gregg ahead of kick-off.
BRUNO ON TARGET

At times, it was a frustrating first half for Bruno, who received some rough treatment from the opposition. However, the Portuguese midfielder showed his quality five minutes before the break and earned a penalty with a driving run into the box, after he was hacked down by Ben Foster. Our no.18 then stood up and calmly slotted it home from the spot and fired United into a well-earned lead. Bruno also had a significant hand in both of our second-half goals, registering an assist for each of them. It means our January recruit has averaged an assist a game in his three United appearances to date.
GREENWOOD BACK WITH A BANG

Mason missed our midweek trip to Belgium through illness, but recovered in time to be selected from the off on Sunday. The Watford clash was the attacker’s first start since our Boxing Day triumph over Newcastle United. Playing from the right wing, Mason provided a constant headache for the opposition defence - this was never more evident than in the 75th minute when he fired home our third and final goal of the afternoon. The teenager’s pile-driver gave Foster no chance and killed off any hope of a Watford comeback.
Goalscorer Greenwood reacts Video

Goalscorer Greenwood reacts

The 18-year-old gives his view on today's win and his brilliantly-taken strike...

IGHALO MAKES HOME DEBUT

With the three points wrapped up, Ole looked to his bench and introduced Odion Ighalo for his maiden Old Trafford bow in a red jersey. The Nigerian’s introduction was greeted with a huge roar from the home supporters and he so nearly made it 4-0 in the latter stages. However, some last-ditch defending from the Hornets pushed the striker wide of the goal and his effort from an acute angle struck the outside of the post.
MCTOMINAY BACK IN ACTION

Another man introduced late on was Scott McTominay. Our no.39 hadn’t featured for the Reds in 2020 through injury, but was brought on for the final 10 minutes at Old Trafford. Scott looked in good shape in front of another packed house at the Theatre of Dreams and produced a number of silky touches during his brief cameo. The Scotland international could also be involved in our midweek UEFA Europa League clash with Club Brugge.
Scott replaced Fred in the 79th minute.
TOP-FOUR PICTURE

The race for the Champions League places took another twist on Saturday with Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United dropping points, meaning it was crucial for the Reds to capitalise this afternoon. Our 3-0 victory not only did this, but also helped strengthen our goal difference over the chasing pack. Three points on Sunday ensured the Reds move up to fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea in fourth and our goal difference is four better than the Blues and sixth-placed Spurs.

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