While Arsenal slipped up at West Brom and Manchester City were thrashed by Liverpool, United dug out a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road thanks to an injury-time own goal from Troy Deeney.
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United play in the UEFA Champions League next on November 25, and Louis van Gaal will hope some of his players return back.
After weeks of criticism Memphis will finally earn some praise after an impressive performance, which earned him the official man of the match award.
United are a point behind league leaders Leicester City after 13 matches.
Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Ashley Young have all filled in since Shaw’s injury, but van Gaal accepts that none of the trio are naturally suited to the role. Rojo pulls down Ighalo in the box, and slides through him at the same time.
Within a space of four minutes Deeney scored another goal, but this time in his own net after trying to rescue a Bastian Schweinsteiger’s shot across goal.
The Red Devils fought until the very end against a well-organised Watford side as they took all three points to go top of the table.
“I don’t mind that, getting a bit of space if you’re going to play it forward or hit a long pass, but he takes too many touches and he’s constantly coming back inside”.
87′ – GOAL! Watford 1-1 Manchester United.
Van Gaal was also pleased that United’s organisation saw them pass ten hours without conceding a goal before Deeney’s penalty.
Van Gaal said: “In the first half, Memphis was superb, like Jesse Lingard”. We didn’t give more than three chances away, one in the first half and two in the second.
‘Shaw was the main player for that position so it is a big blow for us and maybe we have to buy a left full-back for that position. “I was happy. I like it when the fans are behind us and it was a nice moment [to celebrate with them]”.
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“In the second half we played in the way we played in the other 12 games. We have a big problem and now Jones and Herrera are not available, I think, for Wednesday”.
