Manchester United will look to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce on Saturday when they host relegation-threatened Watford at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are fighting hard to finish in the top four and seem to have found some form in the Premier League of late. After smashing bitter rivals Leeds United 4-2 at Elland Road, they drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid away in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
So, Ralf Rangnick and co. will enter the weekend’s contest as favourites against Watford, who find themselves at the wrong end of the table and suffered a 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in midweek.
Here’s a look at three key battles that could determine the outcome of Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Watford—3 Key Battles
#1 Paul Pogba vs Moussa Sissoko
Paul Pogba has arguably been Manchester United’s best player since returning from a long injury layoff earlier this month.
With his incisive passing ability and great vision, Pogba has made the Red Devils midfield tick of late. The 28-year-old has also combined well with Bruno Fernandes in the final third, adding some much-needed zip to Man United’s play.
But Pogba will have his hands full against his compatriot Moussa Sissoko, who has been a mainstay in Watford’s midfield this season. A combative midfielder, Sissoko will be tasked to get tight to Man United star and stop him from spraying passes to the forwards. If he can nullify Pogba’s threat, the Hornets would have a good chance of returning home with a positive result.
#2 Diogo Dalot vs Emmanuel Dennis
Diogo Dalot has been one of the beneficiaries since the arrival of interim manager Ralf Rangnick. He has enjoyed a new lease of life at the club, displacing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.
The Portuguese has provided more threat than Wan-Bissaka down the right, whilst improving defensively under Rangnick. After being an unused substitute in the last two games against Leeds and Atletico Madrid, Dalot is likely to be recalled into the starting XI on Saturday.
There’s still everything to play for at Old Trafford 🔴 #MUFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/0I2ABzVyzv
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) February 23, 2022
The 22-year-old will likely come up against Watford’s top scorer, Emmanuel Dennis. The Nigerian international has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Hornets. With his burst of pace and smart movement, he will look to make runs in behind the Man United backline and cause problems.
Thus, it will be interesting to watch how Dalot copes with Dennis at Old Trafford.
#3 Jadon Sancho vs Kiko Femenia
Jadon Sancho is currently playing the best football of his fledgling Manchester United career, showing the world why the club invested heavily for his signature last summer.
The England international has cemented his spot on the left flank, and his dribbling skills, movement and pace will be of great importance to Rangnick’s side in breaching the Watford backline. He will be up against Kiko Femenia, whose defensive qualities will be tested at Old Trafford.
Femenia has been a mainstay in the Watford backline that has leaked goals at an alarming rate this season. Against an in-form, tricky winger in Sancho, the Spaniard will have a perfect opportunity to prove his mettle and help the Hornets produce an upset against Manchester United.
