Manchester United are looking to build momentum in the race for a Champions League place. Watford stand in their way – who were victorious last time the sides met at Vicarage Road.

Solskjaer’s men put out another below par performance against Club Brugge on Thursday. Although there were 6 changes to the side from the team which won at Stamford Bridge.

Martial started on Thursday and added another goal to his tally, making it 15 for the season. However, the Frenchman could drop to the bench due to starting 2 games in 4 days. This could mean that Odion Ighalo could get his first start for the Red Devils against his former side.

United have kept 2 clean sheets in a row in the League and are looking to make it 3 for the first time for just over a year (February 24th 2019). While Nigel Pearson is looking to be only the 4th English manager to complete the Premier League double over Manchester United.

Due to Sheffield United and Tottenham dropping points, a win would send United up to 5th, 3 points off the top 4. However, a win for Watford would lift them above the relegation zone. An important game for both sides.

Watford have 1 win in their last 5 Premier League games and have never won at Old Trafford in the Premier League. However United have won just 2 of their last 5.

Watford are likely to play a deep block which has caused Manchester United many troubles this season, but new signing Bruno Fernandes will give a different dynamic to United’s play. As well, Ighalo will offer something different up front for the Reds.

Scott McTominay could be in contention for the bench on Sunday. This is what Ole had to say about the midfielders recovery:

“I’m not surprised [he’s back so soon] because that’s the type he is,”

“He’s a physical specimen, he’s a leader. He never shirks a tackle and he brings everyone with him. He can sit with Nemanja and Fred or he could be one of the runners in midfield.”

Rashford and Pogba are still out, while Mason Greenwood is a doubt after he missed Thursdays game with illness.

Record signing Sarr could be in contention for a place in the Watford side, as well as right back Feminia as both have returned to full training this week.

These are the kinds of games United have been dropping points in, it is important that they change that and get the 3 points to put them in 5th, which is now a Champions League spot if Manchester City’s European ban isn’t lifted. It seems like every game, but this is another must win game for Manchester United.

Potential Starting XI

United will make multiple changes from their midweek Europa League match. The most important will be Bruno Fernandes coming into the 11 after showing how good he really is to United fans with his 15 minute cameo against Club Brugge.

David De Gea will return between the sticks for United after Romero’s usual stint in the Europa League.

As well, it is likely Ighalo makes the line up against his ex club. It will be interesting to see a different kind of player in the striker role.

Wan Bissaka, Fred and James will return to the line up after all being rested on Thursday.

It is likely that United will return to a 4231, moving Shaw out to left back as Brandon Williams looked like he needed a rest on Thursday.

Solskjaer mentioned that Bailly picked up a knock before the Club Brugge game, but was fit enough to be on the bench, so he could make a return to partner Maguire after a solid first game back from injury against Chelsea on Monday.

Mata could make the line up on the right, but mainly due to the fact that Mason Greenwood could still be out ill and that Lingard and Andreas are in poor form.

Prediction

It could be an exciting game for United fans as they get to see new signing Fernandes in a game where the Reds will likely dominate the possession of the ball, and against a weaker side. Usually this wouldn’t be an ideal situation, but it looks like Fernandes can unlock a defense, which could solve United’s problems.

Although, a strong defensive performance should be on the wish list for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as it was particularly poor on Thursday and although a clean sheet was kept against Chelsea, it was partly due to the help of VAR.

United have not scored at home for 2 games and the last time they went 3 without one was in May 200, however I will be expecting some goals.

Watford will be tough to break down, but I expect some individual brilliance from Fernandes or Mata to break the deadlock. Which will then allow United to play in a more open game.

Final Prediction: Manchester United 3 – 1 Watford