Yet another embarrassing defeat for Manchester United as they lose 4-1 to Watford in their first match after the international break.
Here are 5 things we learned from the match:
1)3-5-2 ditched
The 3-5-2 system was adopted by Ole after losing 5-0 to Liverpool. The formation saw a great result as they won the next match against Spurs. However Ole went with a more familiar formation of 4-2-3-1 with Ronaldo at the front.
The game was expected to be an easy one for United. However, despite getting an international break, they failed to make positive alterations in their tactics. This resulted in yet another humiliating defeat for Manchester United. Even after a goal from Watford, the team failed to pick up pace and hence,did not have the desired effect and the performance
2)David de Gea shines yet again
Manchester United was yet again indebted to de Gea for saving from the penalty spot – twice. Apart from Donny, he was the only player to stand out and that too for a positive reason. De Gea made a great save in stoppage time but Watford scored a goal seconds later.
De Gea this season has been in top form and has been a saver for United many times this season. His most notable save was against West Ham when he saved a penalty at the last minute to help United retain their winning status.
3)Donny takes his chances
Donny Van de Beek replaced Scott McTominay and took his chance immediately. Within minutes onto the pitch, he headed the ball straight into the net. The finish itself was simple but he had to get himself in position to score, and in doing so, showed an eye for goal and urgency which was lacking throughout the first half.
Apart from that, he also made a pass-through to Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the shot was saved by Ben Foster.
4)Maguire’s awful form continues
Harry Maguire scored in both of his games for England during the international break. However, all hope went down the drain and he was dismissed from the match for two offences.
His celebration against San Marino drew a fair share of criticism and there would be more to follow after his dismissal.
5) Last game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved from his duties as a manager in the morning hours of 21st November after the team faced a heavy defeat against Watford. The club released a statement:
“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.“
The club also stated, “Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.”
