€100m Manchester United target admits move to Old Trafford is a "possibility"

Antoine Griezmann has admitted that a move to Manchester United is certainly a possibility in the coming year.

The Atletico Madrid forward appeared to be on the verge of signing for the Reds last summer, but after FIFA upheld Atleti’s transfer ban, Griezmann signed a new contract out of loyalty to the club.

He insisted that the €100m release clause that Man United had been willing to trigger was kept in his new deal, though, showing his commitment to the club had the potential to only be short-term.

The transfer ban ends in January, and Griezmann is still linked to the Reds, either for a winter move or to join up with France teammates Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial in the summer.

“Manchester United is a possibility,” Griezmann stated, via Di Marzio.

“I already have a good relationship with Paul Pogba but he will not influence my decision. I don’t know whether one day I might wear Manchester United’s shirt.”

Jose Mourinho, United and Griezmann flirted for the whole of the summer, and some parts of last season. While the player himself claimed he was “6/10“ likely to join United on French television, Mourinho had numerous phone calls with him and United continually pushed the story in the media.

Are they still interested now? If United are, then they’ll now be competing against FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, two immensely attractive oppositions. PSG would mean a return to Griezmann’s home country, and the chance to play alongside compatriot Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Barcelona means Lionel Messi and one of the best teams in the world.

United, though, has Griezmann’s close friend Pogba, a blossoming project, the chance to be the main man and great players all-round. It also means the chance to follow Griezmann’s idol David Beckham into the number 7 shirt at Old Trafford.<!—Article End–>

Chelsea and Arsenal must pay £32.75 to land Serie A star in January

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea receive a boost in their pursuit of Roma’s Kostas Manolas after news on his release clause, but will face competition from London rivals Arsenal for the Greek defender.

Manolas has been linked with a move to the Premier League a lot since breaking onto the scene at Roma.

He has been mainly linked with Manchester United but now Chelsea and Arsenal are keen on his services.

The Blues brought in Manolas’ ex-Roma teammate, Antonio Rudiger, in the summer but with Antonio Conte falling out with David Luiz and Gary Cahill not performing to standards, Chelsea are after a new centre-back.

Manolas signed a new contract at Roma very recently, which includes a £32.75m release clause and with the riches that both Chelsea and Arsenal have, that seems a bargain for someone of Manolas’ stature.

Juventus and Zenit St Petersburg are both interested in Manolas as well as the Premier League clubs, but with the opportunity to play both Premier League and Champions League, it maybe hard to resist for Manolas.

The post Chelsea given boost in hunt for Manolas but face competition appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho reveals truth about Nemanja Matic's injury against Watford

Manchester United completely lost stability in the absence of Nemanja Matic after the Serb left the pitch injured in the Reds’ 4-2 win against Watford, according to Jose Mourinho.

Matic, signed from Premier League champions Chelsea for just under £40m in the summer, has been one of the most influential players in Man United’s seasons. Coping with long-term injuries to Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini may have proved impossible without Matic in central midfield.

But he had to be subbed off on Tuesday night with a muscle injury, Mourinho revealed. United were 3-0 up at the time after a stunning pair of strikes from Ashley Young and a cool finish from Anthony Martial in the first half.

Jesse Lingard produced an astonishingly good solo goal to seal the win for United, but only after Watford had scored twice in quick succession and looked like they were going to score a third, equalising goal.

“We lost stability when Nemanja Matic had to come out but the important thing is the three points,” Mourinho said.

“I saw happiness from the team and played with a free mind. For Matic to tell me he wants to be replaced, he does not do that if it is nothing important. It is muscular.”

Any kind of muscular injury is a deep worry for United and Matic. The 29-year-old didn’t look in serious pain when he came off, walking off the pitch and casually settling down on the substitutes bench. But that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to be fit for the two vital clashes coming up in the next fortnight.

United travel to Arsenal on Saturday evening and host Manchester City eight days later. They’ll need Matic.

Chelsea and Man Utd transfer blow as PSG make first approach to sign €40m-rated attacker in January

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea, along with other clubs, have been put on red alert as PSG approach Pietro Pellegri of Genoa.

At the age of just 16, Pellegri has been somewhat of a revelation for Genoa in the Italian top flight, scoring two goals in just five games in the Serie A, and he is being regarded as one of Europe’s top talents.

As well as Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus are also interested in the Italian, but it looks likely that if he was to leave that he’d go to PSG, and add to their already talented squad of players.

Both English clubs mentioned have made contact with his club over a move for Pellegri, but PSG have already contacted his agent, who will fly out to Paris soon to negotiate with the French giants.

Genoa obviously do not want to sell their prize talent, but they are willing to listen to any offers above a massive €40m.

The post PSG make contact with Chelsea target Pietro Pellegri appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Chelsea to revive interest in Premier League striker in January as Conte looks to bolster his squad

Antonio Conte was desperate to add a striker to his Chelsea squad during the summer transfer window and he was visibly frustrated when the Blues failed to land Fernando Llorente who joined Tottenham on Deadline Day.

Chelsea have been left with just Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi as senior striking options this season with Diego Costa joining Atletico Madrid in January and Conte will again look to add another striker in the winter transfer window.

Christian Benteke was rumoured to be on his radar in the summer and the Daily Mail note that the Belgian is once again on Conte’s shortlist as he prepares to make several additions to his squad in the New Year.

There is believed to be great interest from China in Benteke but a Premier League stay with Chelsea if he were to leave bottom-placed Palace would surely be his preference.

Palace themselves are short of striker options and Benteke has only just returned from a two-month absence due to a knee injury and it’s unlikely that Roy Hodgson will want to part ways with the club’s record signing given their situation.

The post Benteke back on Chelsea’s radar in January appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Wilshere Starts First Premier League Match For Arsenal In 18 Months - Arsenal v Huddersfield [Predicted Lineups]

Arsenal welcome Huddersfield to the Emirates this evening for another Premier League fixture and we think Jack Wilshere is in line for a start.

—–
Matchday: Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal v Huddersfield
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (GMT): Wed 29 Nov 19:45
—–

He may not have admitted it in his pre-match press conference but Arsene Wenger will undoubtedly have one eye on the Premier League match with Manchester United.

The Gunners welcome Jose Mourinho’s side to the Emirates on Saturday evening but before that, Huddersfield will come to North London for a Premier League tie.

Here’s how we think the Gunners will line up:

GK) Petr Cech

Petr Cech will start.

RCB) Laurent Koscielny

While we think the Arsene Wenger will implement some squad rotation, the back three should stay the same with Laurent Koscielny at its core.

CB) Shkodran Mustafi

Shkodran Mustafi should start. Although, it’s not inconceivable for Per Mertesacker to fill in and give his German compatriot some rest.

LCB) Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal will start.

RWB) Hector Bellerin

Arsenal aren’t blessed with options in the full-back positions meaning that Hector Bellerin will probably start.

CM) Francis Coquelin

The first change is in midfield with Francis Coquelin getting a start for the Gunners.

CM) Mohamed Elneny

Mohamed Elneny could come into the centre of midfield.

LWB) Sead Kolasinac

Sead Kolasinac should start.

RAM) Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has impressed in the Europa League and will be looking to start this Premier League match. Fortunately, he may have to considering the injury problems Arsenal are suffering in the attacking positions.

LAM) Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck should start and be given some much-needed time on the pitch as he comes back from injury.

ST) Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud could come in for Alexandre Lacazette.

Chelsea battling Manchester City and Arsenal for 20-year-old midfield maestro

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have joined fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City in the hunt for Ajax wonder kid Frenkie De Jong’s signature.

De Jong, 20, has broken into the first-team fold this season and has impressed in his 11 appearances so far, with the Dutchman finding the back of the net on one occasion.

De Jong, who has represented his country up to Under 21 level, applies his trade as a central midfielder and has caught the eye of many teams across Europe, including Antonio Conte.

It looks likely that De Jong is set for a move to one of Europe’s big sides, however, it is unknown whether Aja will let the player go in January, with the English trio of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City all monitoring the player’s situation closely.

The player isn’t a product of Ajax’s famous academy and was brought in from fellow Eredivisie side Willem II back in 2016.

The post Chelsea join race for Ajax starlet De Jong appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Antonio Conte reveals what Chelsea's aim is this season, and it's not catching Manchester City

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed his side have set a target to catch Manchester United before even thinking about cutting down Manchester City’s big lead in the Premier League, the Evening Standard report.

The reigning champions are currently 11 points behind Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten City side, and six behind Jose Mourinho’s United, with Conte’s side having a game in hand over the red side of Manchester.

The Blues have nine league games left in the calendar year, with which five are at Stamford Bridge, Conte’s side will feel they can try and close the gap on Pep Guardiola’s men, who have to play rivals Manchester United and Tottenham in December.

However, Conte has ruled out looking at Manchester City’s form, stating his side’s target is to overtake Manchester United before his side can think of regaining their Premier League crown.

Now our target must be to see the team that is before us, in this case, Manchester United. Our first target is to catch them up and if we are able to do this and then we can see the team who is staying before us. This must be our mentality and in every game, we have to try to win and do our best. This must be the right mentality, winning mentality.

With home games against Swansea and Newcastle upcoming, before travelling to West Ham and Huddersfield, Conte will be hoping his side can take 12 points from 12, which will potentially move the Blues up into second place.

The post Conte targeting United before City appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Clement delighted with Morata’s start at Chelsea

Swansea boss Paul Clement is delighted that Chelsea’s record signing Alvaro Morata has proved his early-season critics wrong, the Daily Mail report.

The pair know each other well from their time at Real Madrid together, where Clement was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant, and Morata was trying to shift Karim Benzema out of the side and make the centre-forward’s role his.

With the pair set to meet on Wednesday when Clement brings his struggling Swansea side to Stamford Bridge, Clement was full of praise for the Spanish international.

He’s strong, quick, good in the air and knows what it’s like to play for a big club. The critics were on him immediately, it was only two or three games into the season and they were onto him saying he was not good enough. Now he’s scoring and performing, and when he’s not in the team people are saying ‘We need Morata back’.’

Morata, who joined in the summer as a direct replacement to Diego Costa who is set to join Atletico Madrid in January, has found the back of the net nine times in his first 18 appearances for the Blues, and will be hoping to add to that when he takes on his former assistant at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The post Clement delighted with Morata’s start at Chelsea appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Chelsea set to revive interest in £60m-rated Brazilian when January transfer window opens

With Chelsea several games adrift of Manchester City in the Premier League title race, the primary focus has perhaps shifted to securing a spot in the Champions League next season.

Antonio Conte voiced his concerns regarding Chelsea’s summer recruitment and he hopes to rectify that in January with a major spending spree.

Left-back depth was something Conte looked to address in the summer and Juventus star Alex Sandro was his preferred target and the Blues had several bids turned down for the Brazilian.

When the January transfer window opens, Conte has drawn up a transfer wishlist and Sandro is again on his radar as he looks to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.

Valued in excess of £60m, Sandro hasn’t been in the best of form for Juventus this season but the Serie A champions still have no interest in parting ways with him.

Talks over a new contract have stalled with Juventus and he could force a move away to Chelsea who would be able to offer him a significant pay rise.

The post Chelsea to revive interest in Alex Sandro appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Ashley Young: I'm not concentrating on contract situation at Manchester United

Ashley Young has dismissed talk about his contract situation at Manchester United after a spell of brilliant form.

Young has been one of Man United’s best players in every game of the last month or so, performing consistently well at left-back. His best performance of the season came on Tuesday night as he scored two of the best goals of the season.

The first was the cleanest of drives, connecting with the ball perfectly on the half-volley and beating Heurelho Gomes with great precision at his near post.

The second topped that, a sumptuous free-kick that curled into the top left corner, impossible to reach for Gomes who was standing close by.

Questioned after the game about his contract situation, with his current deal expiring in the summer, Young revealed little, other than that he hasn’t signed a new deal yet.

“No I’m just concentrating on things on the pitch,” Young told BT Sport as he earned the Man of the Match award on Tuesday.

“You know that’s all I can do, go out there and play well and we’ll see what happens.”

There are suggestions that Young is pushing for a contract extension of longer than one year. United have had a recent policy of offering only one-year deals to players older than 30.

Young is 32, but looking in brilliant fitness and playing, as Jose Mourinho said post-match, in some of the best form of his life.

The question is whether Young will be wanted for longer than one more year if United are signing a long-term, permanent new left-back. Danny Rose has been linked to the Reds recently. That would reduce Young’s appearances per season, and Mourinho has to offload some players before he can bring in new faces.

Chelsea in contention to sign Arsenal midfielder

Chelsea are believed to be a “hot candidate” to sign Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, with the German’s contract running out in the summer.

There were rumours of him heading to Catalan giants Barcelona, the main rivals of his former club, Real Madrid. However, they are still looking to bring Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho to the Camp Nou.

Manchester United have also been linked, and would reunite Ozil with his former manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, José Mourinho. This rumour appears to have died down of late.

Chelsea are now the latest to be set to sign Ozil, with Antonio Conte unsure whether to go for the 29-year-old in January or at the end of this current season, but it will most likely be the latter, according to SportBild.

 

Arsenal and Ozil’s captain, Per Mertesacker, who is in his final season as an Arsenal player, has spoken about the situation (via Sport Witness):

Every year there is so much speculation.

So every season feels like a change, we players have got used to it so it’s not an issue for us.

Chelsea did look earlier like they may sign Ozil’s fellow Arsenal teammate whose contract also runs out in the summer, Alexis Sanchez. However, they may favour Ozil to the Chilean either in January or at the end of the season.

The post Chelsea a strong competitior for Ozil signature appeared first on Read Chelsea.

2 interceptions, 3 aerial duels won, 4 tackles: 23yo continues excellent resurgence at Man United

Victor Lindelof continued to confound his critics with another superb defensive display during Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Watford in the Premier League.

The Swede produced a ‘Man of the Match’ performance against Brighton and Hove Albion over the weekend and was handed another chance to impress in a back three at Vicarage Road.

And he was once again the pick of the bunch, timing his challenges perfectly and exuding an air of authority on the ball.

His stats from the game tell you all you need to know about what was another faultless defensive display from the 23-year-old.

Lindelöf's game by numbers vs. Watford:

1 block
2 interceptions
3 aerial duels won
4 tackles
6 clearances
100% dribbles completed

Best display in a United shirt. #MUFC http://pic.twitter.com/cA69PiIAq6

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2017

How much difference a month can make. Many saw Lindelof’s horror show at Huddersfield Town in late October as a potential catalyst for a complete slump into anonymity, Luke Shaw style, just as Marcos Rojo was primed to return to action and push him further down the pecking order.

But the Swede’s reaction has taken everyone by surprise. He now looks to genuinely relish being on the ball and the positional shortcomings that hallmarked the early stages of this season is nowhere to be seen.

He looks to be in tune with the throes of Premier League life as opposed to grappling on for dear life, tearing across the turf to make last ditch headers, blocking shots, hustling opponents. Mourinho would have expected this all along, but to see his £31m acclimatising to life at Old Trafford so well serves as an immense relief for United supporters.

Jose Mourinho: Manchester United should have been smoking cigars against Watford, but didn't

Jose Mourinho admitted Manchester United made it far too difficult for themselves in their 4-2 win against Watford.

The Reds started on the backfoot at Vicarage Road but after two absolute stunners from Ashey Young in quick succession, Man United took complete charge of the first half, with Anthony Martial grabbing a third for Mourinho’s side before the break.

They dropped off a bit in the second half, but could have doubled their lead with three or four more excellent chances. Instead, they took their foot off the gas and had a genuine scare of an astonishing Watford comeback as Marco Silva’s side scored twice in the final 20 minutes.

“The second half should have been five or 6-0, it was easier to score than the first. We missed chances,” Mourinho said.

“Out of nothing, they got a penalty for 3-1, then it was a different game. It was an easy match to win comfortably. At 3-2 the game is in the balance then Jesse Lingard had the initiative to kill the game.

“Both him and Ashley Young scored great goals. We missed 4-0 with some actions and Romelu Lukaku had an open goal, Paul Pogba had a free header too.

“They were full of confidence after, they had nothing to lose could play the way they do and got back into the game. We should be smoking cigars but then were in trouble.”

Jesse Lingard put the game to bed with a sublime solo goal, running from his own half to seal the game. But Mourinho rightly conceded United shouldn’t have needed a goal to wrap things up at that stage.

Romelu Lukaku’s finishing was poor on the night, and had it been better, the Reds would have had a comfortable 5-0 victory rather than struggling to a 4-2 win.

Man United fans react to Lindelof's performance vs Watford

Manchester United fans were delighted with the consistency Victor Lindelof showed after performing well once more vs Watford as the club continued their chase of their fierce rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils cruised into a 3-0 lead during the first 45 minutes but things got sticky after they conceded twice in the second half.

Thankfully, Jesse Lingard scored a beautifully worked solo goal to make things a little more comfortable for United.

Lindelof though has started to string together a few good displays that will surely satisfy his manager Jose Mourinho.

Although the team conceded twice, neither goal was the Swede’s fault and he can walk away from the match knowing he was one of the players who stood out in a rollercoaster of a match.

Lindelof so far defending like a new man , playing the ball out like prime Beckanbaeur

— O O (@otoiks) November 28, 2017

Lindelof, Young and Lingard proving once again that Jose Mourinho knows more about football than the twitter window lickers.

— JB (@bealymufc) November 28, 2017

Lindelof is starting to show glimpses of the player we hoped Jose had signed. Thankfully Mou has a bit more patience than some Reds online #MUFC

— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) November 28, 2017

Shoutout to my man Lindelof. Got slated the past couple weeks for his performances, but he's been nothing short of class the past two weeks. Absolutely brilliant.

— Öliver. (@UtdOliver) November 28, 2017

Lindelof is growing up before our eyes.

— Oluwacloutinho (@Nigerianscamsss) November 28, 2017

Lindelof looks a completely different player

— Marvz (@certimarvz) November 28, 2017

Supporters were clearly happy to see their summer buy continue to grow in confidence and, more importantly, in performance.

With the busy winter period coming into full effect in the upcoming weeks, Manchester United fans are absolutely loving having a fit and in form centre-back.

Marcos Rojo has also recently returned from his horrible injury and seems to be showing signs that it won’t affect his game.

United’s defenders are known for their injury proneness but if Lindelof can keep himself away from any harm then he should find himself starting regularly for Mourinho’s side.

After all, the Portuguese manager showed some faith in him by buying him in the summer and clearly sees him as, potentially, becoming one of the better centre-backs of the club’s history.

Conte delivers update on David Luiz and Victor Moses' fitness

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has delivered an update on the condition of key duo Victor Moses and David Luiz ahead of his side’s clash against Swansea on Wednesday night.

Both players have been nursing minor injuries of late and were hopeful of returning for the game against the struggling Swans.

Conte, as quoted by West London Sport, was happy to confirm that Moses is now back in contention for the Blues following a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

Victor Moses is ready. He is in contention for tomorrow’s game, but at the same time I must make the best decision for the team, for every player. For sure, Victor is back from a bad injury and he needs a bit of time to find the best physical condition. Victor is an important player for us.

Davide Zappacosta has been deputising on the right flank in Moses’ absence, and it looks as though the Nigerian international will return to the line-up as he completes his recovery.

However, Conte had less positive news regarding Luiz. The Brazilian defender is set to miss the game against Swansea with a knock.

I can tell you the players not available for tomorrow are David Luiz, with a knee problem, and Musonda. Batshuayi and Kennedy are trying to find their best form to come back 100%.

Luiz has seen his future at Chelsea come under increased scrutiny in recent times, with Conte seemingly growing unconvinced by the defender’s qualities.

It will be for the doctor to assess the situation and then to take the best decision for the player.

The former PSG man has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in recent times, too, further contributing to the added uncertainty regarding his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

The post Conte delivers injury updates on Moses and Luiz appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Manchester United have to give this rare, perfect pro a new contract right away, urges Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Ashley Young after the Englishman scored an incredible double against Watford in Manchester United’s 4-2 win.

The Reds started on the backfoot but two ridiculously good strikes from Young within five minutes changed the game and Young was a key part of a ruthless and entertaining Man United side in the first half.

The 32-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season and after a couple of average seasons as a squad player, though a very useful one at that, he has shone this year. He’s made the left-back spot his own and Ferdinand urged Jose Mourinho to hand Young a new deal.

“I’d definitely keep him, I think he’s a fantastic professional first and foremost,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

“He’s a great influence on the younger players in the dressing room. And he’s a very, very good pro.

“He works hard, he trains hard and you see that. Players that are on the edge of the first team when they’re called upon to come and play in the first team you can see how good professionals they are. If they come in and look fit and hit the ground running, that means they’re good pros. And he’s done that on numerous occasions this season.”

Ferdinand also emphasised the importance of having players like Young in a squad looking to win trophies, even if United buy a permanent left-back to replace Young, seen as a temporary option.

“He can play numerous positions as well, that’s the beauty of having him in your squad,” Ferdinand explained. “Those players don’t come around often and they’re vitally important to squads if you’re looking to win trophies.”

Young has been one of United’s best players in every game for the past month or so. He deserves a new deal. Some suggest he’s asking for a contract longer than the one-year extensions usually given to players over 30 at United and that is the current issue.

A two-year deal doesn’t seem to have many issues, but United may look to hold firm to ensure no other players demand longer than one-year in future, no matter how good or important they are.

1 goal, 4 dribbles: 21yo Man United star rips Watford to shreds

Anthony Martial produced a scintillating attacking display up front during Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Watford on Tuesday in the Premier League.

The Frenchman, deployed alongside Romelu Lukaku as Jose Mourinho used a back three, tormented Watford’s back four in the first half with some superb moments on the ball.

And his crowning moment came in the 32nd minute after he received Lukaku’s flick-on perfectly and sent a laser-guided drive past Heurelho Gomes.

Martial’s numbers from the game tell the story of what was another penetrative display going forward.

Martial's game by numbers vs. Watford:

1 goal
2 shots
4 dribbles
50% chance converson
50% dribbles completed

At home in the 3-4-1-2. #MUFC http://pic.twitter.com/rJAVV0GihD

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2017

The contrast from last season couldn’t be more pronounced. Martial has already matched the number of goals he mustered in Jose Mourinho’s opening campaign but you only have to glance at his demeanour on the pitch to see the difference.

He looks settled, above anything: always lurking in an ominous position, waiting for his moment patiently, before springing into life with a decisive blow, this time taking just two touches – both outside the box – to leave Watford’s defence on the floor.

When Martial is focused – unlike last year – and enters that special groove on the ball, you wouldn’t bank on any defender stopping him. Mourinho should know by now that the 21-year-old is simply too good to leave out of the starting XI.

Manchester United forward is 'electric, clinical and composed,' hails Rio Ferdinand after 4-2 win vs Watford

Anthony Martial can be ‘anything he wants to be’ at Manchester United with his talent, claims club great Rio Ferdinand.

The Frenchman scored his sixth league goal of the season on Tuesday night as Man United finished 4-2 winners against Watford in a nervy ending to the game.

But Martial led the Reds in the first half, tearing apart Watford’s defence repeatedly.

He’s electric, once he gets the ball at his feet he’s almost unplayable,” Ferdinand explained. “His technique, his dribbling [is fantastic] and he keeps saying he wants to play up front, we’re hearing those murmurs.

“He looks cool and composed. Clinical… that’s what we said in the first half and especially with him.

“You speak to players around the ground they say this kid could be anything he wants to be.”

Player Ratings: Young outstanding in MOTM performance but Lingard stunner steals win

David de Gea 6 – Had virtually nothing to do until being sent the wrong way by Troy Deeney’s penalty. Couldn’t do much about Abdoulaye Doucore close range finish.

Antonio Valencia 7 – Kept tabs on the lively Will Hughes early on and prevented Watford from making any inroads down his side. Disciplined, strong, rapid across the ground. A captain’s display.

Victor Lindelof 7.5 – The Swede’s rise to prominence continues. Looked to genuinely relish – rather than shirk – being on the ball and produced a number of perfectly timed blocks and tackles. His best performance in a Manchester United shirt by some distance.

Chris Smalling 6 – Took some time to adapt to the pace of the game but enjoyed a relatively trouble free evening at the base of Man United’s back three after the visitors took control.

Marcos Rojo 6.5 – A strong return to Premier League action for the Argentine. Kept Andre Grey at bay all evening and made two decisive interventions late on, but lost his composure to give away a needless penalty.

Ashley Young 8 – Faultless on the ball, effervescent going forward, and simply stunning in front of goal, firing a superb strike from outside the box past Heurelho Gomes’s near post before launching an even better kick into the top corner minutes later.

Nemanja Matic 6 – Looked all at sea for the first ten minutes but recovered to grab control of midfield proceedings, only to come off with a knock soon after half time.

Paul Pogba 7 – Breezily dictated midfield proceedings, winning the ball off opponents and spreading the ball all across the pitch.

Jesse Lingard 7.5 – Took up some excellent positions at No.10, popping up unexpectedly to steal possession and set players away. Provided a smart assist for Young’s first goal and then shocked everyone with a sublime individual effort to kill the game after 86 minutes.

Anthony Martial 7 – Another slick, deadly display from the Frenchman. None of Watford’s back three could cope with him and his finish to put United three up was superb.

Romelu Lukaku 6 – Linked up with Martial and Lingard nicely in the first half, but make no mistake: the Belgian is going through a dry patch in front of goal. Missed a golden opportunity in the second half.

Substitutes 

Ander Herrera 

Marcus Rashford