Player Ratings from Watford 2-4 Manchester United

David De Gea (6)

Against a barrage of Watford crosses De Gea’s positioning was key. Could do nothing about the two goals and watched on as United’s forwards sliced open Watford.

Antonio Valencia (6)

Much improved from his performance against Brighton and Hove Albion. Consistently aware of his surroundings, and three crucial challenges late on allowed the United the platform to score their fourth.

Victor Lindelof (8)

Best game in a United shirt. On the front-foot throughout the match. Authoritative display, and one that emphasises why the club paid the figure they did for him.

Marcos Rojo (3)

Outshone by the rest of the defence. Looked out of place and out of touch. An idiotic challenge to give away a penalty and could and maybe should have been sent off.

Chris Smalling (5)

Made crucial blocks in the box when Watford reverted to whipping curling balls into the danger zone, especially in the last 20 minutes. Better in a four-man defence but a solid enough performance.

Ashley Young (9)

Young is the definition of a purple patch. A stunning first goal was bettered by a mesmerising free-kick. Defensively astute and now guaranteed that he will start against Arsenal and Manchester City.

Nemanja Matic (5)

Struggled throughout the first half, with late challenges and misplaced passes. Needs a break but with two mammoth games on the horizon, the question is will the Serb get it?

Paul Pogba (7)

Didn’t create any headlines but the driving force in the United team. Sews the midfield and attack together with his forward-thinking brain. Best talent in the squad.

Jesse Lingard (8)

Recovered from an appalling miss to make it 4-0 and kill the game. Lingard’s weaving run to score five minutes from time proved to be the deciding goal and prevent a Hornets comeback.

Anthony Martial (8)

Dynamic, decisive and destructive. On his day Martial is a nightmare to play against. Few poor touches early on but the Frenchman grew into the game. Deserved the goal with a calm finish.

Romelu Lukaku (6)

He will only know how he did not get on the score-sheet. Glaring miss in the second half summed up the Belgian’s performance. Set up the third goal beautifully though, and benefitted from the movement of Lingard and Martial.

Ander Herrera (6)

Brought on for Matic to shore up the midfield.

Marcus Rashford (5)

Very little impact on the game. Will star more in the upcoming round of fixtures.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (6)

Best moment of the match was the Swede celebrating Lingard’s goal on the touchline. Could be crucial over the next week.