Ismaila Sarr - the rather theatrical clutching of his face aside - is looking dangerous for Watford as he crops up on the right now, driving a low ball into the box but it is cut out and cleared.

Matt Upson
Former England and West Ham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

There has been two or three times now that Manchester United have looked dangerous with through passes. They are breaking the lines through the midfield into the strikers. Watford need to be very careful, especially the two centrebacks about how much they commit. They are playing a very high press game at the moment, therefore the midfielders need to get up. The centrebacks just need to be sure they can cope with Martial and Rashford's pace. It's a big question of whether they can cope with that.

Manchester United are starting to up the pressure and Watford's defence is dropping deep.

Gerard Deulofeu does manage to cut out an attack and quickly works the ball to Will Hughes, who then sends Ismaila Sarr away on the left.

Sarr has a tussle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, loses out and then goes down clutching his face. Didn't seem a great deal of contact there based on the replays I've seen, though...

Nice dummy by Jesse Lingard as the midfielder lets Marcus Rashford's ball run through to Anthony Martial, who is in on goal but had just strayed offside.

First corner of the game goes Watford's way but Will Hughes' delivery is dealt with.

Quite an open start with play quickly going from one end of the pitch to the other.

David Freedman: Can United beat a relegation bound team? So far they have not shown the ability to breakdown a crowded box.

Tyrone: Ole always struggled to get results against the smaller teams and that is why man United are so poor in the league this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Lovely link up play down the right for Manchester United as a clever touch from Anthony Martial sends Dan James away. The forward breaks down the wing, waits for Martial to get into the box and finds the Frenchman, who scuffs an effort wide. Should have done better.

Matt Upson
Former England and West Ham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Watford need to be a little bit careful of vacating that space in front of their centre backs. They have good movement Manchester United and they have some pace which could hurt them.

Manchester United win a free kick midway inside the Watford half but it is headed away by the home defence.

Interesting statistic - this is Troy Deeney's fourth Premier League home appearance this season, with each game under a different manager.

Watford really have to go for it in pretty much every game at this stage to claw their way back to safety. They have started this one brightly, plenty of possession but a bad touch by Gerard Deulofeu brings to an end a promising attack.

Watford get the day's first Premier League game under way.

Warm applause for Nigel Pearson as his name is announced over the speaker system.

The players are out on the pitch and ready to go.

Matt Upson
Former England and West Ham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Nigel Pearson is a hard line manager, he's very up front. He will hold team meetings almost like a general which is important for the situation Watford are in. He likes the dressing room to run itself. You have important players like Troy Deeney but the others need to get on board. The question is is whether the team are responsible enough for his tactics. He needs to get the squad as tight knit as he did at Leicester. If they can do that, they have hope.

Dave Dixon: Brandon Williams better be injured and not dropped from the squad. Disappointed that Mason isn't starting in a 4-4-2 with Tony up top.

Tom: Really don't get how Lingard and Fred get anywhere near the first team at United.

Image source, Getty Images

On this day in 2001, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his first hat-trick for Manchester United in a 6-1 win against Southampton.

Only Wayne Rooney (six) has scored more Premier League hat-tricks for United than the Dutchman.

I'd imagine quite a few United fans wish they had that pair in their pomp now.

Manchester United have won 11 of their 12 Premier League meetings with Watford (92%) – only against Wigan (15/16; 94%) do they have a higher win rate in the competition (minimum 10 meetings).

Alex Guilford: Player of the year - Mane

Manager of the year - Klopp

Team of the year - Liverpool

Underachiever of the year - Unai Emery

Best signing of the year - Mourinho at Spurs

Meltdown of the year - Watford's Board

Funniest moment of the year - Phil Jones v Sheffield United

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "It is very important that we have everyone fit and available.

"Paul, obviously, is one of our best players when he is in form and he is back in the squad today.

"He has got an influence off the pitch as well, because he is a good character in and around the place, so I hope that I don't have to use but I hope I can use him."

Jon Hughes: POTY - Fernandinho, unsung hero carrying City's defence wherever he plays.

Manager - Klopp, still improving

TOTY - Wolves, punching above their weight

Underachiever - Rodri, big money buy, nothing special so far

Best Signing - Soyuncu, huge coup by Leicester

Meltdown - Pep on the touch line after goal disallowed and Spurs go through

Funniest moment - Mourinho calling himself humble.