Man United player ratings vs Watford as Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford struggle

David de Gea

Could have sat in the Stretford End for the entirety of the first-half and most of the second-half. 6

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

A suspect recall but had his most proactive and attack-minded halves of the season for an hour. Then the pressure began to take its toll. 6

Victor Lindelof

Steady and executed a key tackle late in the first-half. Watford were one of the easiest teams he'll have ever defended against. 6

Raphael Varane

Had a largely serene first-half but occasionally looked awkward whenever Watford's mercurial forwards had a go. 6

Alex Telles

Advanced often enough but his end product was often lacking. Deserved his chance but didn't take it. Worse in attack than Wan-Bissaka. 5

Nemanja Matic

Anchored the midfield expertly to underpin United's dominant first-half and sprayed some fine passes. Came off as United chased a breakthrough. 7

Fred

His passing was tidy enough without having a discernible impact. A logical withdrawal for Jadon Sancho in the 62nd minute. 6

Paul Pogba

Difficult to fathom his role and it was key to United's slick build-up play and his flick for Anthony Elanga was masteful. Inexplicably reverted to freestyle football at times. 6

Bruno Fernandes

Should have scored a one-on-one and a presentable volley. Had a shot blocked by Cristiano Ronaldo and teed up Ronaldo in the second-half. Just didn't happen for him. 6

Anthony Elanga

Alert off the right, sharp link-up play and his movement infield gave United more options. His best performance as a starter but should have got a goal. 6

Cristiano Ronaldo

Should have scored when he hit the post and the early miss played on his mind. Flagged offside regularly. Could easily have come off. Drained off self-belief. 3

Subs

Jadon Sancho

Liveliest of the subs. 7

Marcus Rashford

No impact. 5

Luke Shaw

Not urgent enough. 5

Manager

The four changes were vindicated as United outplayed Watford in the first-half and made the right change on the hour. Went for it with remaining changes Result was on the players. 7

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.