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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:

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

57 mins: Close! Tottenham have tried to kill the Leeds momentum by slowing down the game, keeping hold of the ball. They work it up to Harry Kane who threads a great ball ‘round the corner and into the right wing for Matt Doherty. He swings a cross into the six-yard box where Ryan Sessegnon throws himself towards the ball at the back post but just misses it for a tap in.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:47

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

54 mins: There’s a bit of frustration beginning to show from the Leeds players when they aren’t in possession. They’re trying to recover the ball quickly but are being too intense in their challenges. Mateusz Klich goes in the book for a late tackle and Junior Firpo is shown a yellow card for booting the ball away in anger.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:42

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

51 mins: Leeds have picked up where they left off in the first half by driving the ball at the Tottenham penalty area. Stuart Dallas is brought down by Harry Winks and the free kick it sent over to the right wing where Luke Ayling swings a cross into the box but sends it over everybody’s heads.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:39

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

48 mins: Raphinha takes on Sessegnon on the inside right and the Tottenham defender is unlucky as a free kick goes against him. He won the ball but took down the Leeds midfielder in the follow through.

Sessegnon versus Raphinha has a second round as the free kick is played down the right wing. This time Sessegnon mistimes his lunging tackle and just takes out the man earning himself a yellow card.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:35

Second half: Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

Kick off: Pascal Struijk and Jack Harrison have been taken off by Marcelo Bielsa with Mateusz Klich and Rodrigo brought on at half-time.

The home side restart the game and attempt to thread a pass up to Raphinha on the right side. The ball is intercepted by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and knocked by the Ben Davies by Son Heung-min.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:33

Football set to be forced to reassess its relationship with Russia

Uefa officials told football figures to dissuade politicians from publicly lobbying for the 2022 Champions League final, which has been moved from St Petersburg to Paris,The Independent has been told.

Sources in the western European game have privately said they were under the impression that their federations could be blacklisted from hosting future tournaments or marquee fixtures if big plays were made to replace the Russian city in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

There was even open speculation, right up until Thursday morning, over whether this was because Uefa did not want to aggravate Russia.

Football set to be forced to reassess its relationship with Russia

The invasion of Ukraine has the game scrambling, with Russia’s influence over ownership, sponsorship, governance and more under scrutiny like never before, writes Miguel Delaney

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:29

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

Leeds are only the second side in Premier League history to concede 3+ goals in five consecutive matches in the competition, after Sunderland in November 2005.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:26

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

Will Leeds get rid of Marcelo Bielsa?

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:22

Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

Matt Doherty, Dejan Kulusevski, and Harry Kane all found the back of the net for Tottenham in the first half. The visitors could have scored more but Leeds were threatening themselves. Robin Koch hit the post and Luke Ayling should have scored from a header. The next goal could be crucial, if Leeds can get it they’ll think they’re still in the game.

(Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:21

Half-time: Leeds 0 - 3 Tottenham

45+1 mins: Tottenham end the half with another counter attack but Llorente blocks Kane’s cross and Meslier tidies up. The visitors lead by three goals to nil at the break.

It’s a long way back for Leeds.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 13:17

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