Premier League: Man United must beat Watford to maintain top four hopes

United looking for revenge

Manchester United host Watford in the Premier League on Saturday, doubtless acutely aware of the trouble that the Hornets caused them the last time the clubs met. 

An incredible 4-1 success for the relegation-threatened club marked the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at Old Trafford, while it was also a rare high point in Claudio Ranieri’s time at Vicarage Road. 

Both clubs have seen changes since that day in November, with Ralf Rangnick now in charge at Man Utd and the wily Roy Hodgson leading Watford. 

Man Utd are priced at 1.36 to gain revenge on their rivals, with the guests massive 10.5 outsiders. A draw can be backed at 5.7. 

Only a win will do

Manchester United have turned into draw specialists under Rangnick. Four of their last six matches have ended even after 90 minutes. Though the Red Devils are undefeated in 10 games in normal time, their propensity to draw is undermining their top-four challenge.

In midweek, they turned their attention to European competition, rather stealing a 1-1 away draw to an Atletico Madrid side far weaker than it once was. Indeed, United rode their luck on that occasion as their hosts twice hit the woodwork.

It was another performance that underscored just how far this team must go to return to the top level, with too many of their leading names failing to have a tangible impact on the match. 

Back at home on Saturday and up against a struggling opponent, their fans will demand better.

Man United are unbeaten in 10 games under Ralf Rangnick, but have drawn too many

Watford seeking history

Watford, meanwhile, are already onto their third manager of the season. Xisco Munoz was sacked in early October before Ranieri followed barely three months later. Hodgson, meanwhile, has struggled to have an immediate impact, though a shock 1-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend bodes well. 

The former England boss has worked on making his side harder to beat. Put aside a 4-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace, and Watford have only conceded three goals in four league matches under their new manager.

Hodgson, meanwhile, is the only manager to have overseen a victory over United in a Saturday 3pm kick off in 21 attempts. That 2-1 win came for Crystal Palace in August 2019.

Watford have never won away to Man Utd in the league, losing 11 of 13 trips to Old Trafford, so it would be a historic achievement if that run was to be broken.

Finding value in a Man Utd win

Even with Man Utd’s stuttering form, they should have too much firepower for Watford. Furthermore, the home players must be fired up after the beating they took earlier this season. 

A rout is unlikely, but odds of 2.14 on Man Utd to win to nil look attractive. Equally, the Asian Handicap market offers increased value on a home win. United can be backed at 1.89 at -1.5, which given that four of their last Premier League wins have come by two goals should be given some consideration.

Recommended Bet

Man Utd to win to nil @ 2.14