JOY & RELIEF
GOMES
Could not be blamed for any of the goals, great block from Lingard MARIAPPA Booked
Unhappy evening as United’s pace and movement destroyed Watford KABASELE
His mistake in the build-up to United’s third goal. Got punished PRODL
First start for three months – and it showed. Very ring rusty FEMENIA
Better going forward as Hornets were picked apart at the back DOUCOURE Booked
Started well but got worse. Sloppy in possession, netted late second CLEVERLEY
Young had a stormer against old club, Cleverley could not match it ZEEGELAAR
Wearing mask from Andy Carroll’s elbow, might want better disguise HUGHES
One of Watford’s livelier players but off with a hamstring injury GRAY
Got very little service but looked isolated and devoid of chances RICHARLISON
United shackled him as well as any opponent this season. Hit the bar SUBS: Carrillo (Prodl 58) 5 Pereyra (Hughes 58) 6
Deeney (Gray 72) 6 MOTM Had a very quiet night, rarely troubled and could put his feet up LINDELOF
Got a bit lucky early on but solid. One of his best games yet SMALLING
Who needs Beckenbauer passing when you are rock solid in defence ROJO Booked
Only his second game back but already looks returned to form VALENCIA
Got forward well and United’s captain, led by example
POGBA
Drove United forward with his energy and boundless runs
MATIC
Went off early which must be a worry ahead of trip to Arsenal YOUNG
Brace on return to Vicarage Road. Both Goal of the Month contenders LINGARD
Welcome Premier League start, good movement, netted fourth MARTIAL
Scored with a clinical finish to delight United fans who love him LUKAKU
No petulant kicks or goals but his all-round play was important SUBS: Ander Herrera (Matic 54) 6 Rashford (Martial 63) 5 Ibrahimovic (Lingard 88) THE sorcerer put the apprentice firmly in his place. Jose Mourinho delivered a managerial masterclass to teach his fellow Portuguese Marco Silva a very painful lesson. Manchester United were ruthless as they destroyed Watford with a victory inspired by Ashley Young who quickly went from returning hero to public enemy No.1.
Watford fans actually cheered Young’s name when it was read out before kick-off but when he celebrated against his former club by cupping his hand to his ear it quickly changed to boos.
Then when Young scored a second with a brilliant free-kick the jeers got even louder but that will not have spoiled his return to Vicarage Road.
Incredibly, it was Young’s first goal in 560 days because his deflected effort against Brighton on Saturday went down as an own goal - but there was no mistaking this time.
United cannot put a foot wrong in the title race with Manchester City threatening to disappear into the distance – and cannot afford to go away from home and play safe.
The Special One took off the handbrake and it reaped rewards with United’s first win in four away Premier League games, making you wonder why they did not do it sooner.
United have got Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday and then the Manchester derby and if this was the start of a defining run of games they have got off to a flyer.
Mourinho has rightly been criticised for his safety-first approach and poor record in big away games and, while Watford do not fit into the top-six category, it has become a tough place to come under Silva.
Silva lapped up the Mourinho comparisons before the game and he has become a hot managerial prospect despite having yet completed a full season in the Premier League.
And you had to feel a degree of sympathy with Silva when he found himself 3-0 down inside 32 minutes. He stood on the touchline scowling, his big night against his managerial idol ruined. Watford started quite brightly, Abdoulaye Doucoure drove them forward and it