Watford vs. Manchester United: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Manchester United left it late to see off Watford and stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games.
The Red Devils needed an own goal from Watford captain Troy Deeney in the 90th minute to clinch a 2-1 victory away at Vicarage Road.
Deeney had appeared to grab the home side a point when he cancelled out Memphis Depay's early opener for the visitors by converting a penalty in the 86th minute.
However, the forward quickly went from hero to villain. Back in his own penalty area to defend a corner, he deflected Bastian Schweinsteiger's low cross into the net, giving Manchester United all three points.
The result moved Louis van Gaal's injury-hit side to the top of the Premier League table, albeit for only a few hours.
Here, Bleacher Report picks out the winners and losers after an eventful finish.
Winner: Memphis Depay
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No Anthony Martial. No Wayne Rooney. No problems for Manchester United, as Memphis Depay grasped his chance to impress up front.
The Dutchman had not featured for the Red Devils in the Premier League since being taken off at half-time during his side's 3-0 away defeat at Arsenal on October 4.
However, with Martial injured and Rooney ill, Depay—sporting an impressive set of sideburns—was recalled to the starting XI.
He broke the deadlock with a well-controlled volley after 11 minutes, steering Ander Herrera's early cross into the top-right corner with his left foot.
Loser: Troy Deeney
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Troy Deeney was set to be the toast of Watford after scoring from the spot late in the second half.
After Marcos Rojo had hauled down Odion Ighalo inside the area, Deeney hammered the penalty beyond Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to make it 1-1.
However, that wasn't the last time Deeney found the net. Back helping out his own defence, his desperate dive to block Bastian Schweinsteiger's low cross only resulted in him deflecting the ball home.
According to OptaJoe on Twitter, "Troy Deeney became the first player to score a goal and an own goal in the same PL game since Damien Delaney in May 2014. Unfortunate."
Winner: Jesse Lingard
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Memphis Depay may grab the headlines with his goal, but forward partner Jesse Lingard does not deserve to be overlooked for a bright display.
The 22-year-old, who had been called up to the England squad for the midweek friendly against France, bothered the Watford defence with runs in behind.
His hard work should have been rewarded with a goal in the second half when the score was 1-0.
A beautiful pass over the top from the excellent Daley Blind put Lingard in the clear, but his attempted lob over Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was weak.
Loser: Marcos Rojo
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Marcos Rojo should be grateful Manchester United found a way to score a late winner.
The Argentina defender had gifted Watford an equaliser with an unnecessary foul on Odion Ighalo, dragging the striker down inside the area when he had his back to goal.
Sent on in the first half to replace the injured Ander Herrera, Rojo struggled to get to grips with his role alongside Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in a back three.
According to Squawka Football on Twitter, Rojo failed to win an aerial duel or a tackle during his time on the pitch, while he completed only 61 per cent of his attempted passes.
Winner: Louis van Gaal
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal deserves some credit after the away win.
The decision to start with both Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard as a front two paid off, with both young forwards causing Watford's defensive line problems.
Criticised at times this season for his side's methodical methods in attack, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss saw his side make a fast start at Vicarage Road.
Ander Herrera's injury in the first half presented a problem, but Van Gaal showed a willingness to be flexible. He sent on defender Marcos Rojo to change the shape to 3-5-2, and United continued to control proceedings.
The Dutchman told BT Sport after the narrow win [h/t Jim Daly of the Mirror]: "I was amazed by the spirit in our team. I'm very proud that I am the manager of the team."
Loser: Manchester United's Injury List
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Manchester United's hard-fought victory came at a cost, as both Ander Herrera and Phil Jones were forced off with injuries.
Midfielder Herrera lasted just 25 minutes before he had to be replaced by Marcos Rojo, forcing the visitors into a reshuffle at the back.
Jones, meanwhile, had a solid game in defence before his participation was cut short in the second half. Paddy McNair came on to replace the injured England international.
The pair will now have to join the back of a long queue outside the treatment room at Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia are long-term absentees, while Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney all missed the Watford game.
