EMMANUEL Dennis posted a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday as Watford defeated Manchester United 4-1 at Vicarage Road.
The Nigeria international forward scored one goal and set up two others to help Watford hand United their fifth defeat in their last seven Premier League matches.
Former United striker Joshua King, Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr and youngster Joao Pedro scored Watford’s other goals that earned the Hornets their first win in three games.
The relegation-threatened hosts started brightly and had two penalties (retaken over encroachment) saved by David De Gea from Sarr, but they took a deserved lead in the 28th minute through King, with Dennis assisting the goal.
Sarr fired a low shot across De Gea one minute before half-time to redeem himself and double his side’s advantage.
United’s underfire manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made two changes at the restart, introducing Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial in place of Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.
Van de Beek got United back in the contest five minutes into the second half, heading home from Cristiano Ronaldo’s assist.
However, the anticipated fightback was not forthcoming as Harry Maguire got himself sent off for a second caution in the 69th minute.Dennis was involved again two minutes into injury time, setting up Pedro for Watford’s third goal.
The Super Eagles forward put the icing on the cake in the fifth minute of added time, firing low past De Gea to complete United’s humiliation.
Dennis’ compatriot William Troost-Ekong came on in the 64th minute as Watford shut the game down and moved up to 16th place with 13 points.Manchester United, who have conceded 15 goals in the last five league matches, slipped to seventh in the table with 17 points from 12 games.
In other afternoon kick-offs in the Premier League on Saturday, Steven Gerrard began his Aston Villa reign with a 2-0 win over Brighton, Norwich City defeated Southampton 2-1, while there were two 3-3 draws between Newcastle United and Brentford as well as Burnley and Crystal Palace.
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