Manchester United left the door open to their top-four rivals as Watford boosted their survival hopes with a plucky 0-0 draw at a disgruntled Old Trafford on Saturday.
In a poignant moment before a ball had been kicked, both sets of players, led by United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, displayed a sign calling for peace in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On the pitch, United were superior throughout but were guilty of squandering a glut of gilt-edged chances, as they missed the chance to move to within a point of third-place Chelsea, and failed to respond to wins for Arsenal and Tottenham in the fiercely-contested race for Champions League football.
Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by the post in the first half, had an effort ruled out for offside and watched on as Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Anthony Elanga failed to underscore United’s dominance.
As United toiled, Watford, who were indebted to an inspired performance from former United goalkeeper Ben Foster, grew in confidence and could have completed a league double over their hosts, but Ismaila Sarr’s stoppage-time effort whistled inches wide.
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All-too familiar boos rang out as the final whistle sounded as Roy Hodgson, who is now unbeaten in his last four visits to Old Trafford, guided second-bottom Watford to a priceless point which leaves them three points from safety. Fourth-placed United move two points clear of fifth-place Arsenal having played three games more.
Man Utd top-four challenge falters
Things could have been so different for United had Ronaldo found the net and not the woodwork with a fifth-minute effort, and had Bruno Fernandes squared when Ronaldo instead of going alone moments later, with Foster superbly thwarted his attempt.
Ronaldo eventually had the ball in the Watford net when he turned home Fernandes’ cross, only to see it ruled out for offside.
Chances continued to pass United by, with Fernandes unable to find the target while stretching to reach Paul Pogba’s cross, before he headed over after Ronaldo had rounded Foster and stood a cross up to the far post.
What’s next?
Man Utd travel to Man City for the Manchester derby on Super Sunday – live at 4.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League. Before that, Watford host Arsenal on Super Sunday – live at 1.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League.