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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 18:18 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:

Half-time: Everton 0 - 0 Man City

45+2 mins: Nothing to separate the teams at half-time. Everton have impressed during those opening 45 minutes and they’ve worried Manchester City a few times. For their part Pep Guardiola’s men felt a little flat. He’ll be having words for them during the break.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:18

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

45 mins: Richarlison goes to ground under pressure from Rodri and Everton win a free kick just outside the box. It’s about 25-yards out from goal on the inside right side of the pitch. Anthony Gordon stands over the set piece and goes for goal. He smokes it well and lands his effort on top of the crossbar!

Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:16

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

42 mins: I wonder what Pep Guardiola is thinking right now. Man City have seen more of the ball but they are controlling the match to their usual standards. Everton have been sharp, intent, and physical - especially in the middle of the pitch - which seems to have upset City’s rhythm.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:13

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

39 mins: Man City press high up the pitch with Ruben Dias feeding it down the left side for Joao Cancelo. He cuts into the box and slots the ball to the byline for Phil Foden. It looks as though Foden’s run in behind Coleman is enough for him to keep the ball in play but his controlling touch just knocks the ball out of play.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:11

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

36 mins: Almost! Michael Keane gives the ball to Allan in his own half and the Everton midfielder turns to play the ball up to Iwobi. Iwobi threads a forward pass in between the Man City defence as Gordon sprints through the lines. John Stones sweeps across and throws himself at the ball, getting there just in time to stop Gordon having a free run at goal.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:08

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

33 mins: Chance! This is a good game. Kenny knocks the ball into the box and a deflection loops it up to Iwobi who tries to win it in the air under pressure. The ball comes loose and drops kindly for Richarlison who whips a snapshot at goal but sends it straight into the hands of Ederson!

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:05

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

30 mins: Close! A Man City throw in comes to Rodri who is immmediately pounced on by Allan. He nicks the ball and drives it up to the box before slipping Jonjoe Kenny into the left side of the area. Kenny collects the ball and goes for goal but only manages to blast it into the side-netting.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 18:02

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

27 mins: Iwobi receives the ball on the right wing and is helped out by Allan. He takes the ball into the box and tries to weave away from Cancelo. The left-back sticks with him and Allan goes down under minimal contact. Everton want a penalty but the referee says no and the crowd aren’t happy.

The ball is given to Illkay Gundogan who’s cleaned out from behind by Donny van de Beek.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 17:59

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

24 mins: Good pressure from Gordon wins the ball back for Everton. He passes it up to Richarlison who then lays it off to Doucoure. Doucoure sends Iwobi sprinting down the right wing but there’s no-one in the box and he’s forced to retreat.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 17:56

Everton 0 - 0 Man City

20 mins: Aymeric Laporte barges into Richarlison and gives Everton a free kick in a dangerous area. Anthony Gordon then swings the ball into the penalty area but it’s headed safely away.

Michael Jones26 February 2022 17:54

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