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Manchester United vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

Follow all the latest updates as the hosts look to keep up momentum in the top-four race

Michael Jones
Saturday 26 February 2022 17:10 GMT
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(Getty Images)

It may still be the case that Manchester United have only lost once since the 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road which led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking and Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment but draws like these are slowly eroding hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League.

Solskjaer’s conquerors Watford, under new management themselves, will celebrate this goalless draw at Old Trafford, even if the point does little to help Roy Hodgson’s side in their battle against the drop. It was yet another afternoon when United had their chances but did not take them.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s form is especially concerning. The Portuguese looked every inch the 37-year-old centre-forward that he is and may be contemplating whether he can stomach a season outside of European football’s elite competition. If he decides not, that may be the best thing for all parties concerned.

United remain fourth, two points clear of fifth-place Arsenal, but have played three games more. And worryingly, this visit of a Watford side sat second-bottom could be viewed as the last in a run of favourable fixtures dating all the way back to early December.

After next week’s derby at the Etihad, top-four rivals Tottenham pay a visit with the return leg against Atletico Madrid following three days later. Even if the subsequent trip to Anfield is postponed due to the FA Cup quarter-finals, as seems likely, Rangnick is entering a defining period. Follow reaction from Manchester United vs Watford below and coverage of Everton vs Man City:

Man Utd 0 - 0 Watford

3 mins: Watford win an early corner after Moussa Sissoko wins the ball in midfield. Imran Louza swings the first corner into the area but Wan-Bissaka is up nicely to put it behind for a repeat.

The second corner comes into the box but Cristiano Ronaldo rises above everyone else and heads it away for Manchester United.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 15:05

Man Utd 0 - 0 Watford

Kick off: Bruno Fernandes gets the ball rolling at Old Trafford with a pass back to his own back line. It comes over to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who attempts to make a run down the right side but is closed down by Josh King and has to pass it back to Fred.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 15:03

Man Utd vs Watford

There are a few Ukrainian flags being waved in the crowd at Old Trafford and both teams took a united stand for peace before the game gets started.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 15:02

Man Utd vs Watford

The players make their way out onto the pitch at Old Trafford. If Manchester United win today they will move just one point behind third placed Chelsea although they will have played two games more.

Three points for Watford will move them even closer to safety.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:58

Man Utd vs Watford

Joshua King has scored in each of his last three Premier League starts against Manchester United, where he started his career.

Roy Hodgson won his two most recent Premier League matches at Old Trafford, both for Crystal Palace: 2-1 in August 2019 and 3-1 in September 2020.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:57

Man Utd vs Watford

Cristiano Ronaldo has only scored one goal in nine appearances in all competitions in 2022.

Bruno Fernandes meanwhile has scored in successive league fixtures and now has 49 goals in 114 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions. The first of those goals was a penalty in a 3-0 Premier League home win against Watford on 23rd February 2020

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:55

Man Utd vs Watford

Watford have only earned five points from their last 13 matches, with their solitary victory during that time coming away against Aston Villa last weekend.

They can win successive Premier League away games for the first time since taking maximum points from their opening three away fixtures of the 2017-18 season.

The Hornets’ six most recent Premier League away wins were under six different managers: Javi Gracia, Quique Sanchez Flores, Nigel Pearson, Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri and Roy Hodgson.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:52

Man Utd vs Watford

Manchester United’s only defeat in 14 league matches since sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came at home to Wolves on 3rd January. They’ve won eight and drawn five in that run.

Nonetheless, they have already equalled last season’s tally of six Premier League defeats but the Red Devils can keep consecutive Premier League home clean sheets for the first time since November to December 2020.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:47

Manchester United drop Russian sponsor in wake of Ukraine invasion

Manchester United have dropped the sponsorship of Russian state airline Aeroflot following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been confirmed.

A club spokesperson said: “In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”

The move comes after the UK banned Aeroflot from its airspace following Vladimir Putin’s incursion into Ukraine that began on Thursday.

Manchester United drop Russian sponsor in wake of Ukraine invasion

Manchester United had held a commercial agreement with the Russian state airline since 2013

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:44

Brighton vs Aston Villa

The game between Brighton and Aston Villa has been delayed due to traffic around the ground and will now kick off at 3.30pm:

Michael Jones26 February 2022 14:41

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