Manchester United will take on Watford when Premier League returns this weekend after the international break. The Red Devils will try to bounce back from their defeat in the Manchester Derby.
Watford is 17th in the table and are just 2 points clear of the relegation zone. Manchester United on the other hand is in the 6th position, 9 points behind the league leaders Chelsea.
The major priority for Manchester United and their manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer will be to get back on track with a routine victory. But for Watford, it is the perfect time to face the Red Devils, who are low on confidence.
Current Premier League Standings
MANCHESTER UNITED COULD EXPERIMENT WITH WATFORD
Manchester United boss Solksjaer has recently been trying out a three-man defence system. The club started sporting three defenders at the back from their match against Tottenham Hotspurs. They utilised the same formation against Manchester City as well as Atalanta.
This change in the system was partly because of the defensive issues the team have been showing. Against a weaker opposition like Watford, there is a chance for United to return to a back four. There are also rumours about Ole trying Jadon Sancho in the right-wing back position. Hence, one cannot rule out the possibility of starting with a back three.
Upfront, Solskjaer seem to be working on a two-man system, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Edison Cavani. But with the Uruguayan having injury concerns, the team could use Marcus Rashford or Mason Greenwood alongside Ronaldo.
On the injury front, Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are ruled out of the match against Watford. Pogba also has suspension, but the injury anyway rules him out. Other players look set to be ready for the weekend, but more details will only arrive after the press conferences.
OLE DESPERATE FOR THINGS TO TURN AROUND
Watford will be without Juraj Kucka after picking up a red card in the previous match. Other long term injured players are not expected to return this weekend. Manager Claudio Ranieri will be hoping to be defensive in their approach and attack on the counter.
One of the major criticism of Manchester United has been their midfield. Watford did show they can punish if left free with spaces when they came back against Everton to score 5 goals.
The future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been talked about extensively in the last month. While the Norwegian seem to be having the confidence of the board, he will need to get a consistent run of results. Watford can be that perfect platform as the teams move into the busier December fixtures.
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