EPL: Man United held by Watford at home

Manchester United dropped two more points in their quest for a Champions League place as they were held at home by relegation-threatened Watford.

And the Red Devils left the field to boos after the goalless draw, despite dominating at Old Trafford.

United had 22 shots against Roy Hodgson’s side but the only time they found the net, Cristiano Ronaldo was offside.

Ronaldo also hit a post and struck team-mate Anthony Elanga with a goal-bound shot.

Elanga also failed to provide the finish to a flowing move, while Bruno Fernandes was unable to capitalise on two excellent first-half opportunities.

Watford might have scored themselves but Emmanuel Dennis’ effort lacked conviction and hit Raphael Varane before bouncing through to David de Gea.

Victory for the visitors would have been completely against the run of play, although the point nudges them a bit closer to the clubs just outside the relegation zone.

The game was preceded by a show of solidarity with Ukraine after the Russian invasion, with both teams standing behind a banner proclaiming ‘Peace’ in a number of different languages, including Russian and Ukrainian.

For United, it was another of those frustrating games interim manager Rangnick has complained about often during his short tenure.

READ ALSO: EPL: Man United left frustrated by Southampton

The hosts created a succession of chances – and spurned the lot.

Ronaldo was the first culprit when he stuck a post. But Fernandes was the worst.

The Portuguese was on the end of a flowing move involving Elanga and Ronaldo but with only Ben Foster to beat, drove his shot straight at the Watford keeper.

Fernandes then turned a volley wide when he was picked out by Paul Pogba completely unmarked, in a central position with the goal at his mercy.

He was off target with a far-post header as well, although that incident was almost as noteworthy for the fact Ronaldo stayed on his feet when Foster came careering out of his goal when he surely would have had a decent penalty shout if he had gone down.

Instead, he went around his one-time United team-mate, before providing the cross Fernandes failed to convert.

The hosts fared no better in the second period, with Elanga getting on the end of a flowing move he started – but missing the target with his shot.

Ronaldo lent against a post almost in reflection as another chance went begging, before driving a shot straight into Elanga.

Substitute Jadon Sancho curled an effort over before Fernandes drove the final opportunity straight at Foster. BBC

 

More posts