Manchester United 2-1 Watford: 5 Players that won United the game

#3 Chris Smalling

Watford FC v Manchester United - Premier League

It is a pity that United could not hold on for a clean sheet because Smalling had a great all-round game. He was fabulous with his covering headers and threw himself around to defend his goal at times. Yet there are concerns during his defending, especially since he is still clumsy at times. Also, during defending corners and set pieces, Smalling has a habit of grabbing his opponents illegally, something that could easily draw a penalty and against Watford, he could not restrain himself from his behaviour either. Yet, all the other aspects of his game was spotless and when you score a goal, every shortcoming is forgiven.

Smalling has always been dangerous at set pieces and against Watford, he showed encouraging desire and hunger to get to the end of the set-piece balls. It was from one of these set pieces that Smalling showed his goalscoring ability. Young’s corner was directed straight at Fellaini, who headed the ball at Smalling. The Englishman had already given his marker the slip and managed to control the ball beautifully on his chest and then unleashed a first-time volley from close range which would have made Zlatan proud! His joy at scoring the goal highlighted how much it meant to him and as of now, he and Lindelof remain the ideal centre-back pair for United this season.