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Manchester United 1-0 Watford: Free kick wizardry from Mata wins it late


  • United level with City on points
  • Mata breaks deadlock with beauty
  • Three shots on target each
  • Watford sits 12th

Juan Mata’s 83rd minute free kick goal finally broke through the Watford defense, and Manchester United picked up a Wednesday win at Old Trafford.

[ WATCH: Mata’s goal ]

The win pulls United level on points with Manchester City for fourth, though the Red Devils have played one more game and have six goals worse difference.

Watford drops to 12th on 37 points.

[ MORE: Watch full PL match replays ]

A slow but physical start saw a real threat on goal when Morgan Schneiderlin unleashed a big shot from 20 yards that carried wide of the frame.

There were chances. Odion Ighalo pulled a shot wide of the goal for Watford, and then took a shot that David De Gea stopped. It appeared that he had Troy Deeney open for a tap-in.

[ MORE: Latest Premier League standings ]

23y 222d - Manchester United have tonight named their 4th youngest starting XI in PL history. Fledglings.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 2, 2016


[ MORE: Full lineups, stats, box score ]

United kept knocking on the door, and finally went ahead after Anthony Martial won a free kick deep in Watford territory. Juan Mata tore his attempt over the wall and past a flying Gomes.

Follow @NicholasMendola