EPL 2016-17: Watford 3-1 Manchester United - 5 Talking Points

#1 Manchester United’s defensive frailties exposed yet again

Smalling had a below par outing

One trait that has often been associated with a Jose Mourinho-led side is its tight defence. However, the current Manchester United team is already turning out to be myth busters with their defensive performances this season. The side has now conceded 6 goals in 3 games and could have gone to concede some more if not for efforts of David De Gea as well as the wastefulness of the opposition.

The pair of Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly was put under severe threat time and again by the Watford attackers and visibly lacked communication in various critical situations. They failed to win consistently in the air and were equally inept at winning on the ground, presenting Watford with numerous chances during the game.

The second Watford goal serves as a reminder of the lack of defensive communication and discipline in the side as neither of the players around the box managed to track the run of Pereyra into the box, thus presenting the Hornets with an easy chance to knock into the back of the net.

Alarmingly, even David De Gea, who has been hailed as the best keeper in the league has failed to maintain a hold of his box and the United faithful will not be too pleased with that.