ONE LAST HURRAH
Sunday’s game was the end of an incredible cycle at Manchester United for Michael Carrick. His first start for United was a win over Watford just under 12 years ago and yesterday, he bowed out another win over the same opponents. Carrick also secured the man of the match award and provided the long ball that freed up Mata who in turn provided for the goal. It was a vintage Carrick ball over the shoulder of the last defender. Old Trafford rose and thanked their long-serving player and Captain for his services after Mourinho took him off with minutes to play. Thank You, Michael.
80 POINT MARK
While United finished a record 19 points behind Champions Manchester City, it was the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement that a Manchester United team secured over 81 points in the Premier League season. United also secured their 19th clean sheet of the season to record shutouts in half the games they’ve played this term in the League. It was United’s best season in the League since the Ferguson years and the improvement under Mourinho is clear but so is the work yet to be done at United.
MOURINHO RESTS PLAYERS FOR FINAL
As expected prior to the game, Mourinho rested several starters ahead of a crucial FA Cup Final next weekend against Chelsea at Wembley. Pogba, Smalling, David De Gea and Valencia were all either on the bench or out of the matchday squad against Watford. Others like Young and Sanchez were taken off before the end of the game to keep them fresh ahead of the game on the coming Saturday.
SAFE HANDS FROM ROMERO AND DE GEA AWARDED
It was his first start in goal in the League goal for Sergio Romero but the Argentine provided a timely reminder as to why many consider him the best backup keeper in the League. His save to deny Watford forward Richarlinson from just 4 yards out before the end of the season was something United’s No.1 David De Gea would have been proud off.
Speaking of De Gea, the Spaniard was awarded the 2017-18 Golden Glove Award prior to the start of the game. He secured the Award at West Ham in midweek.
THE LAST OF MARTIAL?
Old Trafford fears that it may have seen the last of Anthony Martial after the Frenchman missed out on the game at Watford due to a knee injury picked up in training on Friday. The player failed a late fitness test and with the exit rumours swirling around the player, the United faithful have reason to believe that they may have seen the last of the talented Frenchman.
