Two sides desperate for three points for entirely different reasons prepare for battle at Old Trafford on Saturday, as Manchester United host Watford in the Premier League.
The Hornets’ 4-1 win over the Red Devils cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job back in November, but significant changes have been made at both clubs since then.
Manchester United have never lost a home league game against Watford (W11 D2) – no side have they faced more at home in their league history without suffering defeat (also 13 vs Hull).
Watford are looking to complete their first ever league double over Manchester United; they’ve won two of their last three against the Red Devils in the league, having won just one of their previous 15 before this (L14).
Claudio Ranieri was manager of Watford for their 4-1 win earlier this season over Man Utd, while Roy Hodgson will take charge of this game. Should the Hornets win, they will be the first team to complete a league double over Manchester United with a different manager in charge for each game since Bolton Wanderers in 1950-51 (Walter Rowley and Bill Ridding).
Manchester United have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League home games kicking off at 3pm on Saturday (W16 D4), though that loss did come against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace in August 2019 (1-2).
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), with no side currently on a longer run without defeat in the competition than the Red Devils. Manchester United have lost just one of their 14 league games since Ole Gunnar Solskjær left the club in November (W8 D5).
Manchester United Team News:
United are once again expected to make do without Edinson Cavani due to his groin issue, and Scott McTominay has emerged as a fresh doubt after contracting an illness.
Paul Pogba and Fred ought to continue in the midfield as McTominay recovers, while Elanga is certainly threatening to displace Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho on the flanks.
Victor Lindelof was a surprise starter at right-back at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Diogo Dalot ought to return here as Alex Telles battles Luke Shaw for a start on the left-hand side.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
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