November 20, (THEWILL) – Manchester United’s sixth defeat in seven Premier League games was a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford, with Harry Maguire receiving a red card.
At Vicarage Road, a man of the match performance from Nigeria’s Emmanuel Dennis, goals from Joshua King and Ismaila Sarr, who had an early penalty saved, added to the pressure on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United got a goal back through substitute Donny van de Beek before captain Maguire was sent out for two bookable offences.
Claudio Ranieri’s side ensured victory with stoppage-time goals from Joao Pedro and Dennis, moving four points clear of the relegation zone for the second time in seven games.
Jon Moss pointed to the spot after Nemanja Matic’s reckless slice at the ball resulted in Scott McTominay bundling over King in the sixth minute, giving Watford a wonderful chance to grab the lead.
After Sarr’s penalty was saved, Kiko Femenia hammered home the rebound, but the goal was disallowed for encroachment in the box, and the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken, with David de Gea coming to the rescue once more.
However, the United goalkeeper was helpless as the hosts took the lead in the 28th minute, with King tapping home from Dennis’ cutback against his former side.
Just before the break, Watford increased their lead, with an unmarked Sarr taking a touch before blasting past De Gea from a tight angle.
At halftime, Solskjaer brought Van de Beek, and the former Ajax midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring inside five minutes of his debut.
As the visitors increased their pressure, Foster made a fantastic save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo. And they remained dangerous after Maguire was sent off for a second yellow card in the 70th minute for a harsh challenge on Tom Cleverley.
However, their dreams were shattered as Watford scored twice in stoppage time, with Pedro and Dennis both firing low goals past De Gea from close range.
United has now lost back-to-back games in the Premier League, dropping to seventh in the table as Solskjaer faces increasing pressure. Their next Champions League match is against Villarreal. Ranieri had his first home win as Watford manager, and his next game is against his former club Leicester City.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
