Ashley Young scored two superb goals before Manchester United held off a second-half Watford fightback to win 4-2 at Vicarage Road in the Premier League.
Young gave United the lead against the run of play with a fine half volley from 20 yards (19), before the former Watford midfielder struck again, this time a superb 25-yard free-kick into the top left corner (25).
It was 3-0 minutes later through Anthony Martial’s stroked finish, but United stepped off the gas in the second half, allowing Troy Deeney to pull one back from the penalty spot (77).
Abdoulaye Doucoure poked home (84) to seemingly make for a nervy ending, but Jesse Lingard’s solo strike (86), a contender for goal of the season so far, made sure of the three points.
The result means United have closed the gap to leaders Man City to five points before their clash with Southampton on Wednesday. Watford stay eighth, two points off the top six.
Sky Sports