Yet just when Watford appeared to have done enough to secure a point, Deeney diverted a cross from Bastian Schweinsteiger into his own net in stoppage time.
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But with Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and makeshift striker Marouane Fellaini all injured or ill and youngster James Wilson not match fit, Van Gaal played Depay through the middle.
However, what should have been a straightforward afternoon turned out to be anything but.
“We had the late penalty [against us] but, as a team, we created another three possibilities in five minutes after that”.
There was a solemn moment before the game when the French national anthem was played as a mark of respect following last week’s attacks in Paris, as it will be at matches throughout England this weekend.
I enjoyed the goal a lot, of course.
However, the Hornets emerged for the second half with renewed vigour and the hosts built a foothold in the game.
Deeney celebrated wildly but held his head in his hands minutes later after his own goal, which kept United in touch with Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the standings.
However it was not to cost them in the end as the yet again superb Schweinsteiger calmly converted the victor from a tight angle. “There was a bit of luck but we are happy to get the three points”, the Germany midfielder added. “I expect that he shall play Wednesday, but you never know, I do not know the development of the illness”, United manager said.
“I was convinced Luke would have a very good season and because of that I didn’t buy a second player for left-back”.
“I think every young player goes through things but I keep training and enjoy the training sessions”, Memphis told MUTV. I think it’s a compliment for those two that they have played.
Louis van Gaal could be without 10 first-team players for Manchester United’s Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven.
Mata wrote in his blog: “We could make an important step to finish first of our group in the Champions League, and we could climb to the top of the Premiership”.
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Van Gaal allowed his front four to roam, with Memphis and Jesse Lingard stretching the defence and Juan Mata and Ander Herrera exploiting the space.
