Watford 1-2 Manchester United: Hits and flops from the game

Watford's perfect start to the season came to an end after Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road.

United got off to a positive start, displayed their attacking intent, and created numerous chances during the initial stages of the game. The Red Devils took the lead in the 35th minute after Romelu Lukaku tapped home from close range and doubled their lead shortly after scoring the first one, as Chris Smalling smashed in a well-timed volley.

The second half saw United defend in numbers as they looked to hit Watford on the counter. Watford pulled one back in the 65th minute after Andre Gray placed the ball in the back of the net, beyond de Gea's reach. A frantic finish to the game saw de Gea save United's blushes which helped the visitors secure their third win of the season.

In this article, we take a look at the players who impressed and disappointed in Saturday's final fixture.

#1 Hit: Chris Smalling

Smalling scored the winning goal in the first half

Chris Smalling endured a torrid start to the season with some inconsistent displays, but his display against The Hornets will do a world of good for his confidence.

The English international played a vital role in keeping the likes of Andre Gray and Troy Deeney at bay with his well-timed tackles and interceptions.

Smalling scored United's second goal after smashing home Fellaini's headed assist and made a crucial headed interception, a minute after the hour mark, holding off Kabasele and Deeney's advances from Holebas' corner.

United's centre half put in a Man of the Match performance in which he won seven aerial duels and made nine clearances.

#2 Flop: Christian Kabasele

Kabasele struggled against United

After making an impressive start to the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, Kabasele failed to deliver against Manchester United.

Despite starting the game well, Kabasele found it difficult dealing with Lukaku's physicality and movement. The Belgian was caught napping in the build-up to the opening goal of the game and was awfully caught out of position during the build-up to United's second goal.

It is also worth noting that Kabasele played all United players onside before Lukaku tapped in from close range and also missed a golden opportunity to equalize during the last minute of the game, as he saw his header parried away by De Gea.

The Belgian ended the game with a pass success rate of 70%, failed to execute any long ball and won only one out of three tackles.

These stats highlight his struggles against United and the Belgian squandered a perfect opportunity to impress the members of Belgium's selection committee who were in attendance.

#3 Hit: David De Gea

De Gea saved United's blushes in the end

David de Gea put in yet another fantastic show as his saves during crucial junctures helped United secure their third win of the season.

The Spaniard prevented the hosts from taking the lead as early as in the sixth minute when he dived to the left to tipped over Deeney's effort which was heading to the top corner.

He made some really good punches and commanded his back four well. De Gea was called into action during the dying embers of the game when he held on to Doucoure's stinging drive in the 90th minute.

A minute later, De Gea helped his side win all three points as he smartly parried away Kabasele's free header, from Hughes' cross.

#4 Flop: Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez is currently going through a barren spell

Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United's high profile acquisition from Arsenal, failed to conjure up any magic in a lackluster display against Watford.

The Chilean made a bright start to the game and looked to directly attack Janmaat and Cathcart. His influence waned as the game progressed and he was kept quiet by Watford's defense. Alexis looked clueless while entering the final third, in the bargain lost possession on countless occasions.

His actions slowed down United's attacking moves, squandering a brilliant chance to put the game to bed in the 77th minute as his effort was blocked by Cathcart's immaculate tackle. Sanchez was hauled off six minutes from time and was replaced by Scott McTominay.

Sanchez lost 9 out of 11 duels and was dispossessed on five occasions during the clash at Vicarage Road.

#5 Hit: Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku put in a brilliant shift against The Hornets

Manchester United's Belgian striker, Romelu Lukaku, put in a brilliant display in his side's 2-1 victory over Watford on Saturday.

The Belgian did not shy away from taking on defenders and used his physicality, off the ball movement to great effect to trouble Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele. Lukaku always looked intent on running behind the Watford defense with the aim to drag a defender out of position and make space for his teammates to exploit.

Lukaku worked hard and even dropped deep at times to start a counter attack or break the opponent's attacking advances. His link-ups with Pogba and Lingard were well worked and incisive. Lukaku was rewarded for his efforts when he got on the scoresheet in the first half.

Overall, it was an all-rounded display from the Belgian and United would look up to Lukaku for such performances on a regular basis, especially against the top sides in the league.