Manchester United climbed to the top of the Premier League table courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon.
The visitors broke the deadlock through the returning Memphis Depay after just 11 minutes, and that lead lasted until three minutes from time when Odion Ighalo was brought down by Marcos Rojo in the area.
Troy Deeney lashed home the penalty to seemingly rescue a point for his side, but the Watford skipper then inadvertently turned Bastian Schweinsteiger's effort into his own net to hand United the win.
Find out how all of the action unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.
11.45amGood morning! Premier League football is back after the international break, and first up is a trip to Vicarage Road as Watford host Manchester United. Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what should be an intriguing contest between two sides who haven't given much away at the back so far this season. United would move top with a win, while the top half beckons for Watford if they can pull off an upset, so there is plenty riding on this one. Let's start with a look at the teams...
11.47amWATFORD STARTING XI: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Anya; Capoue, Watson; Abdi, Jurado, Deeney; Ighalo
11.47amWATFORD SUBS: Arlauskis, Oularé, Paredes, Aké, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Diamanti
11.49amMAN UTD STARTING XI: De Gea; Young, Jones, Smalling, Blind; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Lingard; Memphis
11.49amMAN UTD SUBS: Romero, Rojo, McNair, Darmian, Goss, Pereira, Rashford
11.51amWhat can we make of those two teams, then? Well, the big news for Watford is that Odion Ighalo starts up front once again despite some concerns over whether he would be ready to play today. The Nigerian arrived late back from international duty and was given a late fitness test, but he has been deemed ready to start and that is a major boost for the Hornets. Ighalo has contributed seven of their 11 league goals this season - only Jamie Vardy has more - while he has 23 goals to his name in 2015.
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11.53amThe next highest scorer in Watford's ranks is Troy Deeney, who took a while to get off the mark in the Premier League following a string of prolific seasons in the Championship. He scored his second of the season last time out, however, and Quique Sanchez Flores will be keen to see his skipper share some of the goalscoring mantle with Ighalo. The only other players to have scored for the club this season are Almen Abdi and Miguel Layun, the latter of whom is no longer with the team.
11.55amAbdi is also included in today's starting lineup, incidentally, as Flores makes just one change to the side beaten at Leicester before the international break. Anya is expected to drop back to left-back, with Jurado coming in to replace Ake, who only makes the bench today. Capoue and Watson will provide the base of the midfield, and you can be sure that Anya will be keen to get forward down the left flank whenever possible.
11.57amAnother notable inclusion is that of Gomes in goal. The former Tottenham Hotspur stopper was renowned for making errors during his time at White Hart Lane, but he has been much more reliable since arriving at Watford. That was not the case last time out, however, as he was to blame for both of Leicester's goals - the first of which was a particularly horrendous howler. As expected, though, Flores has kept faith with the keeper and given him a chance to atone for those errors.
11.59amGomes will be pleased to see no recognised striker leading the line for United today, with Van Gaal without the services of captain Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial through illness and injury respectively. It was thought that James Wilson might be given the nod, but the youngster does not even make the squad today as Memphis Depay is chosen as the front man. The summer arrival had a fine goal record in Netherlands and has played up front before, but it hasn't really happened for him at United yet so he still has plenty to prove. This could well be his chance to do it.
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12.01pmBehind Memphis, Jesse Lingard is once again chosen after opening his Manchester United account before the international break with a lovely strike against West Brom. His recent form earned him an international call-up against France and, while he was not used at Wembley, it does at least show that he is on the radar of Roy Hodgson, whose hand was admittedly forced a little through injuries.
12.03pmHerrera is one of three changes to the side that beat the Baggies before the international break, coming into the hole just behind the striker that has been vacated by the absent Rooney. He and Mata will look to provide the guile and creativity that has been lacking from United's play at times this season, resulting in struggles in the final third. Behind them, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger are both deemed good to play despite being involved in the France vs. Germany international friendly that was disrupted and overshadowed by the dreadful terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday.
12.05pmThere is one change in defence as well as Rojo drops out, with Blind switching to left-back in order to accommodate Jones in the middle alongside Smalling. The pair played together for England against Spain last Friday, and Smalling in particular has really impressed for club and country this season. There was a minor doubt over his fitness going into this weekend, but he has recovered in time to start. Young also continues at right-back, which means that Darmian once again has to make do with a place on the bench.
12.07pmIt is a United team that will understandably arrive at Vicarage Road as favourites, but Watford will come into the match in confident mood themselves. They have adapted well to life back in the big time following their promotion last season, and of the three teams to come up from the Championship, it is the Hornets who are currently best placed to remain in the division. They certainly look solid enough to hold their own in most matches and, while consistency has been an issue, they are picking up enough points to keep themselves clear of danger.
12.09pmIndeed, they come into this match eight points clear of the drop zone - a position I'm sure Quique Sanchez Flores would have gleefully accepted at this stage of the campaign had he been offered it before the season began. They are actually equidistant between the relegation zone and the Champions League places, while victory today would lift them above the two Merseyside clubs and into the top half of the table for a few hours at least.
12.11pmTheir 12 matches have been evenly distributed in terms of wins, draws and defeats so far, with four apiece, but those four victories have come in their last eight matches - not a bad win percentage for a side expected to be battling against the drop. Even in the matches they haven't won, there have been positives to take from it and none of the big boys will face Watford thinking that they have an easy game on their hands.
12.13pmThe Hornets have played the current top two in the league already this season and, while they lost both games by an aggregate scoreline of 5-0, their performances suggest that they will give United a good test today. They frustrated Manchester City for 45 minutes before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in the second half, while Arsenal were held goalless for an hour before running out 3-0 winners in the end - a scoreline that flattered the Gunners a little. Watford now need to find a way of keeping that resolute defending up for a full 90 minutes.
12.15pmIt is the defence that their success has been built upon so far. Only four teams have conceded fewer in the Premier League this season, and all of those are currently in the top five of the table. Watford have conceded just 12 times in 12 matches, while at home they have kept four clean sheets in their six outings, only conceding (and losing) to Crystal Palace and Arsenal - two of the best away teams in the league. Again, though, it is a question of lasting the full 90 minutes as 11 of their 12 conceded goals have come in the second half.
12.17pmThere were two more added to that tally before the international break as in-form Leicester picked up another victory. What will annoy Flores most about that result, however, is the manner in which they gifted the Foxes both goals. Watford have rarely made it easy for opponents this season, but Kante's weak shot managed to squirm away from Gomes and over the line, before the Watford keeper brought Vardy down for a penalty that was duly dispatched by the striker. Deeny did get a goal back with a penalty of his own, but it was Watford's own errors that handed Leicester the victory in the end.
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12.19pmWatford are yet to suffer consecutive league defeats so far this season, and if they can get through today's game with a point or better then they may fancy their chances of building some of the consistency that has so far been lacking from their campaign. They have a good run of fixtures coming up immediately after today, with Aston Villa, Norwich and Sunderland in their next three games. It does get difficult again after that, though, with the Hornets taking on Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Southampton in succession.
12.21pmThey can't afford to look further ahead than today, however, as they are coming up against a United side who would move top of the table with a victory this afternoon. They are currently two points behind joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, and one behind Leicester, and with those three teams not in action until later today, Van Gaal's men who sit at the summit for a few hours at least should they claims a third consecutive victory in all competitions here.
12.23pmStill, though, many United fans are not happy. Van Gaal's style of play has come in for a lot of stick so far this season, with the Red Devils a far cry from the exciting, attacking outfit that they once were under Sir Alex Ferguson. It doesn't help that a number of their more attacking players have not hit top form for the club this season - Rooney and Memphis to name just two - but the tactics seem to be negative too. United usually dominate possession, but the rarely do anything with that, and the likes of Schweinsteiger, who control the tempo of the game, need to shoulder some of the blame for that.
12.25pmThe grumblings may quieten down with a win to take them top today, but with 17 goals to their name so far this season United have the worst attack in the top seven. It is not as though their strikers are exactly misfiring either - United simply aren't creating enough chances. They have the best chance conversion rate in the Premier League this season, with 20%, but they are not putting themselves in enough scoring positions despite their dominance of possession.
12.27pmAt the other end everything is much more positive, with United boasting the best defensive record in the league having conceded just eight times in their opening 12 games. They have kept eight clean sheets in that time, including five in their last six Premier League outings, having managed just 11 shutouts in the entire 2014-15 campaign. Indeed, in all competitions they are currently on a run of five matches and 555 minutes without conceding a goal - their longest such run since a spell between the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.
12.29pmThey have only scored three times in those last five games, however, and two of those came last time out against West Bromwich Albion. It was a match that demanded patience from the hosts at Old Trafford due to the way the Baggies set up, despite the crowd urging them to attack. They eventually made the breakthrough when Lingard steered home a fine opener, but they were also given a let-off when Berahino missed a sitter. Mata added a second from the spot late on, but it was another match that didn't exactly quench the supporters' thirst for attacking entertainment.
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12.31pmStill, at the end of the day football is a results business and, by and large, United are getting results at the moment. They haven't been beaten inside 90 minutes since their shock 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the start of October, a run of seven games in all competitions. Four of those have been draws, which will be a slight concern, but they are at least continually picking up points and remain right in the hunt for a title challenge.
12.33pmTheir best moments so far this season have come at home, though, with a rather mixed record on the road. That defeat to Arsenal is their only loss in their last five away outings, but overall this season they have won four, drawn two and lost three of their nine games on their travels. If Van Gaal can get his side to replicate their home form on the road more often then they may emerge as genuine contenders for silverware this season.
12.35pmPREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Vicarage Road, which means that it is time for a prediction! I can't see many goals in this one to be honest. Both sides have been built on a solid defensive record so far this season, and with United missing their two first-choice strikers - perhaps even three if you would count Fellaini - then the goal threat at the other end is lessened even more. I'm going to go for a 1-0 away victory.
12.37pmThere is no doubt who holds the edge in the recent history between these two sides, with United having won every single one of the last nine meetings between the two sides in all competitions. The last time Watford beat United was way back in September 1986, more than 29 years ago, when they ran out narrow 1-0 winners in a league game.
12.39pmThat, of course, means that United have a 100% record against the Hornets in the Premier League era, winning four of four, while they have also won on each of their last four visits to Vicarage Road in all competitions. They usually put a few goals past Watford too, although United have rarely been struggling in the final third quite as much as they are right now.
12.41pmThe most recent meeting between these two sides came in April 2007 as they clashed in an FA Cup semi-final, while Rooney and Ronaldo amongst the scorers as Watford were swept aside 4-1. The last Premier League meeting also saw Ronaldo and Rooney score, in addition to Henrik Larsson and a Lloyd Doyley own goal as United won 4-0 in January 2007. It was 2-1 to United in the last clash here at Vicarage Road, with Mikael Silvestre and Ryan Giggs getting the visitors' goals.
12.43pmAs will happen with all the Premier League games this weekend, the French national anthem is played before kickoff here in memory of those who lost their lives in the Paris terrorist attacks, with both sets of players mixing up while it is played. A particularly emotional occasion for Schneiderlin, you'd imagine.
1 minKICKOFF: Here we go then! Premier League football is back after the international break, and it is Watford who get us underway at Vicarage Road as they look to climb into the top half of the table.
2 minVery bright start to the match from United as they immediately get on the front foot, putting a couple of very dangerous crosses into the box that ultimately come to nothing.
4 minAlmost a shocker of an own goal from Nyom as he tries to volley a loose ball clear, only to slice it up and onto the roof of his own net. United win a corner, but it could have been worse.
6 minWatford have responded well to that quick start from United and the hosts are enjoying a fair amount of the ball inside the United half in these opening exchanges. It is a little more open than expected.
8 minYoung has a chance to bomb forward down the right here, but his cross is poor in the end as it flies straight out for a goal kick.
10 minIt is United who are enjoying the best of things in the opening exchanges, but that one dangerous cross is the only time that they have looked like threatening Watford so far.
11 minGOAL! Watford 0-1 Manchester United (Memphis Depay)
11 minUnited take an early lead at Vicarage Road, and it is Memphis Depay, restored to the side as an attacker today, who breaks the deadlock. Herrera swings a fine first-time ball into the box and Memphis is lightning off the mark to beat the defender to it. He still has plenty to do, but he does it brilliantly, cushioning a left-footed volley into the top corner. Nothing Gomes could do about that one.
13 minThat is a huge goal for United. They have had a bit of trouble breaking teams down this season and Watford were expected to be one of the toughest, but to have got that early goal - their first in the opening quarter of an hour of a Premier League game this term - is a huge weight off their shoulders.
15 minWhat have Watford got in response here, then? The first goal in this one was always going to be important considering how much both have struggled in front of goal so far this season. Should United get the second too then it is hard to see a way back for Watford.
17 minWatford have had a couple of nervy moments in defence already today. They don't seem to be getting the ball clear at the first attempt, which is breeding panic back there and giving United a second chance when they do come forward.
19 minUnited have enjoyed 59% possession in the opening 20 minutes of this match, which is nothing that we weren't expecting. They usually have more of the ball, but this time they are looking more eager to actually do something with it.
21 minCHANCE! Good chance for Watford to get one back on the break! Young is caught in possession by Deeney, and suddenly the hosts have a two-on-two situation. Deeney brings it forward before giving it to Ighalo, although the pass is not the best one for his strike partner. Ighalo still manages to make something of it, working a yard with some lovely skill, but he wildly slices his eventual finish wide of the near post.
23 minConcern for United here as Herrera goes down off the ball, which causes Van Gaal to look around to his bench. They could be forced into an early change here.
25 minMAN UTD SUB: Indeed, here is the change as Herrera is replaced by Marcos Rojo.
26 minIt looks as though that switch has changed the entire United formation, with Rojo joining Smalling and Blind in a trio at the back, with Blind and Young as the wing-backs.
28 minSHOT! More dodgy defending from Watford as a free kick causes pinball inside the area, with the hosts squandering two or three chances to clear their lines. The ball eventually drops to Schneiderlin at the back post, but he lashes a well-struck volley off target.
30 minIt will be interesting to see whether that change of formation affects United at all. They were in control of this match with four at the back, and they struggled at times last season with this formation, so it might be something that Watford look to exploit.
32 minCLOSE! United come close to a second as a corner is flicked on at the front post right across the face of goal. It is almost turned into his own net by Deeney at the back post, but in the end it goes through to safety.
34 minBobby Madley gives Deeney a warning for a heavy challenge on Rojo that the United fans wanted to see a card for. It was a crunching challenge, but not a bad one by any means and even a free kick is a little harsh.
36 minSHOT! Better from Watford as Nyom does well to win the ball on the right, although there is a question as to whether the ball went out in the build-up. His cross is cleared only as far as the edge of the box, but Capoue lashes his effort well over the top.
38 minUnited are in control of this match, but Watford have shown on a couple of occasions that they have the tools to hurt United. If the gap remains one going into the closing stages of the game then there could be some nervy times for United.
39 minSAVE! Good work from Memphis as he advances down the left flank and cuts inside before drilling a low strike towards the near post. Gomes has to get down to make a smart save, although he would have been upset had he let that one in.
41 minQuique Sanchez Flores will be relatively pleased with what he has seen so far from his side, despite the scoreline. There have been one or two hairy moments defensively, but he would have expected United to see more of the ball and his side are still carrying a lingering threat through that front two of theirs.
43 minThe hosts have grown into this half in the last five minutes or so, without creating anything of real note in that time. There is no doubting they have been second best so far, but they are very much still in this match.
45 minGomes gets away with one here as his clearance goes straight to a red shirt, but Memphis's attempted pass through causes the linesman's flag to be raised.
45+1 minThere will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.
45+1 minHALF TIME: Watford 0-1 Manchester United
1.38pmThe first half comes to an end at Vicarage Road and it is Manchester United who go into the break with a narrow lead. The visitors have been the dominant team so far, but Watford have shown enough to suggest that they are very much still in this one with 45 minutes remaining. You feel that United could really do with a second goal, which could just about kill this game off.
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1,40pmIt was Memphis Depay, back in the team and only playing up front due to the absences of Rooney and Martial, who got the goal, and it was a very well-taken strike from the Dutchman. It was a fine cross into the area from Herrera, and Memphis met it with a cushioned volley into the top corner.
1.42pmMemphis has also tested Gomes with one low strike towards the near post that Gomes had to get down well to save, while a flick-on at the front post from a corner was only diverted away from Schneiderlin at the back post by the deftest touch from Deeney. Aside from that, chances have actually been few and far between for the visitors, but there is little doubt that they have been in control of the game.
1.44pmWatford have had their moments, though, the best of which saw Deeney rob Young of the ball and break with Ighalo in a two-on-two situation. The Watford's skipper's pass was not perfect for Ighalo, but the Nigerian managed to work a yard of space with some nice skill inside the box. His finish let him down, however, as he sliced a wild effort wide of the near post.
1.46pmCapoue has also had a sight of goal for the hosts, lashing a strike well over the bar from the edge of the box, but they haven't really had enough of the ball to pose a sustained threat to the United goal yet. They have relied on their defence for much of this season, but that has almost let them down on a couple of occasions through a few shaky moments. They need to improve in that respect if they are to avoid gifting United what could be a match-winning second goal.
46 minKICKOFF: United get us back underway here as they look to move top of the league, and the first thing to note is that Watford have made a change at the break with Nathan Ake replacing Jurado.
47 minCHANCE! More sloppy play from Watford almost gifts United the perfect start to the half. Capoue gives the ball straight to Memphis as it is United's turn to have two on two. Lingard makes the run across field and is found by Memphis, but Gomes makes an important stop to turn the youngster's effort behind.
48 minThis time it is Cathcart who comes up with the vital piece of defending as Memphis, Schneiderlin and Mata are all involved in a nice move on the edge of the box. Mata tries to stab the final ball through for Memphis, but Cathcart gets his foot to it.
49 minAnother shooting chance for United as they continue to make a bright start to the half. The ball drops to Schweinsteiger from around 25 yards out, but he fires his effort off target.
51 minHalf a chance for United through the unlikely source of Jones as he strides forward from defence, exchanging passes with Mata only to see his effort deflected away from danger.
53 minUnited are certainly shot being shy of shooting in this second half. Memphis is the latest to let fly, although this time the effort is a lot closer to the corner flag than it is to the goal.
55 minIt has been one-way traffic in this second half so far. United are really piling the pressure on in search of that second goal, although they have largely been limited to efforts from outside the box.
56 minSAVE! Just as I say that, forward come Watford and it is a tremendous effort from Deeney. The cross arrived from the left and was laid back to Deeney by Ighalo on the edge of the box. The Watford skipper could not strike his shot more cleanly, but it is straight at De Gea and he turns it over the crossbar.
58 minThis is better from Watford, who are probably enjoying their best spell of the match right now. Capoue strides forward and beats a couple of red shirts before finding Anya, who wins a corner off Rojo.
59 minCHANCE! Very nearly an equaliser for the hosts! The corner gets the slightest of flicks at the front post and Ighalo manages to hook the ball goalwards while on the floor, but Schneiderlin happens to be in the way and makes a vital block right in front of De Gea.
61 minWouldn't you know it, ever since I said it was all United, it has pretty much been all Watford. They come forward again here, but Watson's effort from a good 30 yards out is blocked before it can cause De Gea any problems.
63 minWe have just under half an hour remaining in this one and Watford have certainly grown into this game. As long as the gap remains at one, the hosts are very much still in the game.
65 minA little better from United as they regain their control of possession, which is all they really need to do to see this game out now. The onus is on Watford to attack, and if United can do exactly what they did for the majority of the first half then they should be alright.
67 minCLOSE! Almost a second for United as Lingard does well to win the ball down the right and race forward. He gives the ball inside to Mata, who in turn moves it on to Depay, but having worked space to shoot on his left he sees his deflected effort bobble just past the far post.
68 minYELLOW CARD! Watson becomes the first name in the book their evening for a cynical trip on Young.
69 minWATFORD SUB: The hosts make their second change of the match as Juan Carlos Paredes replaces Nyom.
70 minMAN UTD SUB: United also make a change as Paddy McNair comes on for Jones, who looks as though he might have picked up a foot injury.
70 minCHANCES! A couple of big chances for Watford, but United somehow survive! The first one falls to Capoue, but Smalling makes a vital block to deny the midfielder before the ball falls to Abdi. His effort takes a deflection off Smalling on the way through and De Gea sees it late, but he gets down brilliantly to his right to turn it behind at his front post. That is a magnificent stop from De Gea.
72 minA second goal would really calm the nerves for United here, but Watford look just as likely, if not more likely, than the visitors to score next right now. Plenty to play for in this final 20 minutes or so.
74 minYELLOW CARD! Young also goes into Bobby Madley's notebook for a cynical challenge on Paredes. No doubt about that one.
75 minSAVE! Another chance for Watford, and again it is a thumping effort from Deeney as he lashes a loose ball toward goal. Just like the earlier effort he couldn't catch it any sweeter, but again it is straight at De Gea, who does well to hold on to it.
77 minA slightly risky challenge from Young as he sticks a leg out and trips Ake having just been yellow carded. The referee is right to not show a second yellow as there wasn't much in it, but Young gave him a decision to make.
79 minMAN UTD SUB: A third and final change for the visitors here as Andreas Pereira replaces Mata for the final 10 minutes or so.
81 minStoppage in play here as Bobby Madley orders a drop-ball after treatment for Young. That wastes a bit more time for United, who are edging ever closer to the top of the table here.
84 minCHANCE! Big chance for United to put this game to bed! A ball over the top from Blind sends Lingard through the middle and Gomes is stranded in no-man's land. The lob is very much on, but Lingard gets nowhere near enough on it and it falls into the grateful arms of Gomes.
86 minPENALTY TO WATFORD!
87 minGOAL! Watford 1-1 Manchester United (Troy Deeney, pen)
87 minWatford equalise with just three minutes left of normal time! It is Rojo's mistake which gives away the penalty as he carelessly goes to ground and brings down Ighalo. He didn't need to make the tackle, but Bobby Madley is right to point to the spot, and up steps Deeney to hammer his effort down the middle.
89 minVicarage Road is rocking right now. I said throughout that a one-goal lead did not look safe against this Watford team, that has proved to be the case here. Can United go out and win it again here?
90 minSAVE! They very nearly do grab a winner in some style as Smalling's back-heel in the air is clawed away by Gomes.
90 minGOAL! Watford 1-2 Manchester United (Troy Deeney own goal)
90 minBig drama here in the closing stages at Vicarage Road! Nothing comes of the original corner, but United recycle it and Gomes is forced into making a good low stop from a powerful drilled effort towards the bottom corner. Schweinsteiger is lingering at the back post and turns it back towards goal, but it is Deeney who slides in and actually takes the ball over the line. That may well go down as an own goal, but whoever gets it, it will surely be the winner.
90+2 minThere will be four minutes of added time for Watford to try to add some more late drama here.
90+4 minSAVE! Late pressure from Watford as Ake and Abdi keep the ball alive with headers in the box. The ball drops to Ighalo, who produces a fine, acrobatic volley, but it lacks the power to beat De Gea.
90+5 minFULL TIME: Watford 1-2 Manchester United
2.40pmManchester United go to the top of the Premier League table, then, but it was by no means straightforward for them. Watford made it difficult and thought that they had earned a point when Troy Deeney's penalty cancelled out Memphis Depay's early opener, only for Deeney to then net at the wrong end to hand the visitors a dramatic late victory.
2.42pmThat is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the day's early kickoff as United leapfrog Leicester, Man City and Arsenal to the top of the table for a few hours at least. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now.
