Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-0 Watford

Manchester United closed out the 2017/18 Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Watford as Michael Carrick bid farewell to the Old Trafford faithful. Marcus Rashford’s lone first-half goal was enough to ensure all three points for the Reds.

Carrick played a key role in the goal and put in a classy performance in his last game, Eric Bailly looked United’s most assured defender and Sergio Romero made some key saves, here are our player ratings:

Sergio Romero: 7

The understudy to David De Gea looked every part a number one goalkeeper this afternoon. His save to deny Richarlison’s header late in the first half was spectacular. The Argentine made several more key stops throughout the contest.

Matteo Darmian: 5.5

Darmian put in a solid performance, but it is apparent why Antonio Valencia is far in the pecking order over him. His lack of productivity going forward showed, while he looked to fatigue later in the game.

Eric Bailly: 7

Bailly put in a strong showing this afternoon, making a case for a starting spot at Wembley in the FA Cup Final next weekend. He looked calm and assured, reading the game superbly and using his pace and athleticism to prevent Watford’s dangerous break.

Marcus Rojo: 5.5

The Argentine center-back has struggled for game time all season through injury and it shows. Slightly off the pace of the game throughout, he made a couple of reckless challenges and was sloppy in possession.

Ashley Young: 6

The former Watford player was booed constantly by the travelling fans, but it didn’t affect his game. He offered pace and imagination going forward while looking confident defensively.

Daley Blind: 5.5

Another United player who has struggled for game time this season. Blind looked fairly tidy in possession but didn’t offer much in creativity from midfield.

Scott McTominay: 6

The youngster was generally composed in possession in the midfield and did well to disrupt Watford’s attacking play. Clearly a promising player for the future, but he’ll have to contribute more to emulate the likes of Carrick’s stature.

Michael Carrick: 8 (Man of the Match)

Produced a perfect through ball for Juan Mata which led to the assist for Rashford’s goal. The captain’s performance encapsulated his classy career at Manchester United, calm and collected on the ball, he was United’s creative player throughout the game, constantly looking forward to fashion chances for the Red’s forward players. He will be sorely missed.

Juan Mata: 6.5

The Spaniard’s touch from Carrick’s pass was superb, before unselfishly setting up Rashford for the only goal of the game. He buzzed around and produced neat touches, but failed to really penetrate Watford’s defense.

Alexis Sanchez: 6

Sanchez was full of running and energy in the game, but couldn’t create anything in the final third and was loose in possession.

Marcus Rashford: 6.5

United’s only forward outlet in the game. He was a target for channel balls in behind rather than to his feet, but couldn’t utilize his pace effectively. Easy finish for his goal.

Luke Shaw (Sub, 60’): 5.5

Offered some pace when he came on and shored up the defense.

Ander Herrera (Sub, 77’): 5.5

Replaced Daley Blind but didn’t offer much different from the Dutchman.

Paul Pogba (Sub, 85’): N/A

Too late for rating.

José Mourinho: 6

Mourinho selected a much altered starting eleven for this somewhat meaningless contest. He gave the opportunity to players who have not seen much game time this year. In truth though, Mourinho should be praised for playing Carrick in the game, as this contest was more of a celebration of a legend’s career than a Premier League fixture.