Man United player ratings as goalscorers Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling get 7s

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  • Manchester United ended Watford’s perfect start to the Premier League season by beating them 2-1 at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

    Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling scored in quick succession during the first half to give United a 2-0 lead at the break.

    However, Andre Gray pulled a goal back for the hosts but couldn’t find an equaliser even as Nemanja Matic was sent off for a second booking in the final moments.

    Here, we rate the performances of the United players.

    STARTING XI

    David De Gea – Not worked too much but made a couple of superb saves, including a crucial one at the death. Nothing he could do about Gray’s strike. 7

    Antonio Valencia – Got involved in the build-up play and helped United get forward down the right. 6

    Chris Smalling – A thumping finish from the centre-back for his side’s second. Made a game-high nine clearances as well. 7

    Victor Lindelof – Stepped up and made a few interceptions. Largely dealt with Watford’s two strikers. 6

    Ashley Young – His corner led to the second goal. Was hit-and-miss with his delivery from open play although his ball across the box was turned in my Lukaku for the opener. 6

    Marouane Fellaini – Not pretty, but ever so effective again. Helped United deal with the opposition’s aerial threat. His header from Young’s corner was perfect for Smalling to latch on to and score from. 6

    Nemanja Matic – Made several good defensive contributions but was sloppy with some of his forward passing. Was sent off for two bookings, the second of which was reckless. 4

    Paul Pogba – Fantastic and frustrating in equal measure. Some classy moves mixed in with plenty of loose plays. Had five shots and made three key passes but also lost possession six times. 6

    Jesse Lingard – Usually gets into great positions owing to his clever movement but that wasn’t the case this time. Didn’t make much of an impact. 5

    Romelu Lukaku – The ball arrived at an awkward height but he adjusted his body to turn it in for the opener. Perhaps should’ve done better with a couple of other chances. Worked his socks off though, often tracking back well. 7

    Alexis Sanchez – Delivered a couple of good balls into the box but was caught in possession too often, being tackled five times. 5

    SUBS

    Athony Martial – Replaced Lingard in the 71st minute and looked dangerous on the break. 5

    Scott McTominay – Came on for Sanchez in the closing stages but was wasteful in possession. N/A

    Eric Bailly – Was only on the pitch for a matter of seconds. N/A

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