It's the start of a new era for Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes charge for the first time since being appointed permanent manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins his tenure as permanent Manchester United boss against FA Cup semi-finalists Watford at Old Trafford looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Solskjaer was confirmed as permanent boss on Thursday, signing a three-year deal following an impressive three-month spell in interim charge.
The Norwegian has lost just one of his 13 Premier League games in charge to revive the club’s challenge for a top-four place.
He has also overseen a dramatic comeback in the Champions League, where the Red Devils overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to beat Paris Saint-Germain and progress through to the quarter-finals.
However, they were beaten by Arsenal in their last Premier League encounter before losing to Wolves in the FA Cup a fortnight ago.
They take on a Watford side full of confidence after they beat Crystal Palace last time out to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals for just the sixth time in their history.
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).
New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will not be broadcast due to the 3:00pm blackout law.
Squads & Team News
Solskjaer has confirmed Alexis Sanchez, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia will definitely miss out through injury while a number of other players are doubtful.
Forwards Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are to be assessed after they missed their respective country's international matches last weekend through injury. Luke Shaw will also be monitored after he withdrew from the England squad while Eric Bailly is a doubt after suffering a head injury playing for Ivory Coast.
Ashley Young is available to feature against his former club after suspension. David De Gea is likely to return in goal after sitting out the FA Cup defeat to Wolves.
Potential Man Utd starting XI: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; Pogba, Matic, Lingard; Mata, Rashford, Lukaku.
Jose Holebas is fit to start for Watford after recovering from an injury that forced him off against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-final a fortnight ago.
Tom Cleverley is absent with a thigh injury but Domingos Quina and Nathaniel Chalobah are in contention.
Potential Watford starting XI: Foster, Femenia, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Doucoure, Capoue, Hughes, Pereyra, Deeney, Deulofeu.
Betting & Match Odds
Manchester United are heavy 4/9 favourites to win this match with bet365. Watford can be backed at 7/1, while the draw is priced at 15/4.
Match Preview
Solskjaer described his permanent appointment as United boss as the "ultimate dream”, but has urged focus as they look to secure a top-four finish.
The Red Devils are just two points outside the top four but go into Saturday’s game on the back of two defeats, the first real blip of Solskjaer’s tenure.
As a result the Norwegian has warned his side against complacency despite their recent revival.
"We are looking forward, we have got to work harder," he said.
“I want a United team that’s one of the hardest working and fittest teams in the league, I think the players know my expectations.
"Now the players know I am here for longer than expected. Players that get complacent never last at this club."
Meanwhile, Watford boss Javi Gracia says his players must not be distracted by the FA Cup with league games against United and Fulham to come before their trip to Wembley next weekend.
Alongside their cup heroics, the Hornets are also currently on course for their highest league finish since 1987 as they compete with the likes of Wolves and Leicester for seventh place.
Gracia says he plans to utilise his squad this week but insists he is not looking further than Saturday's game at Old Trafford.
“We have a good squad," said the Spaniard. “I can take different decisions and I try to choose the best option.
“We know to play against United will be very tough. We need to focus on that game. We have time to recover after the Fulham game and prepare for the semi-final. The most important game is the United one.”
Fezbden
1
This is another MU lost
Jababdeosy
0
Despite Watford not being in the best form it will be a tough match
of course no match is an easy game, no team is consider to be weak till you win it
AN-WAR
2
Man will be won the game An eaxm of new coach Waiting what is happened
Susanlus
2
Marcus Rashford hat trick. Let's goooooooooooooooo.
Gapjust
0
Let's start off on the right foot and smash them 3-0.
Muhsina
1
Ole's going to get an even better reception than usual. Can't wait for this
kevery33
0
Just thankful for a return for some Saturday football.
Postmanman
0
Next games against “the best of the rest” should be telling to how we finish this season. A little momentum taken from these two fixtures and maybe we can roll up that mountain. OLES AT THE WHEEL!
Lopandlle
0
Finally, club football is back! Old Trafford’s gonna be buzzing after yesterday’s Ole news and we have to get all three points.
Robberyone
0
According to Watford's form they're due for a loss this game!
Chiratopher
0
Would like to see McTominay given a chance in this one. But everyone else in that predicated 11 is fine with me (assumimg Rom isnt fit.)
Footballlimr
1
Probably an unpopular opinion but I'd prefer McTominay over Matic as a first team starter
Washingt
0
Watford is a great team. Hope we can win this.
klcom
0
Despite Watford not being in the best form it will be a tough match
Luiscarte
0
Man utd 3-2 Watford. I think it will be close. but we'll win it in Ole time
Rosemake
0
If we want top 4 we have to win
sunny21
0
In the battle for top 4, these games will be important. Watford are a team that shouldn't be underestimated. Or they'll catch us by surprise. The line up looks solid. I would have preferred McTominay over Matic probably Fred, but Matic is also a good choice. Our attack has to be more sharp and there needs to be slick movement between the front three if we have create any problems in their defense. My prediction is 3-1 to Utd. What is your prediction?
Cooper5
0
I'm expecting a tight one, but we should nick it.
Madridlove
0
I am thinking team spirit would be high since they know he's the boss now.
yeah00
0
Is rashford fit? Will he start both games?
reasonable
0
All the good feelings about ole aside, this will be a tough game. But love that potential front line gives me good feelings in my special place. We win 3-1, Rashford first, Martial, and Rashford again in extra time. Probably 41' 58' and 91'. Just a guess.
moon09
0
The watford game will be another one that we really need to break down a bus. It will show how much of tactical flexibility that our current squad can carry along. Ole at the wheel!
bonding
0
Lindleof wasnt spotted at the squad arriving at the Lowry. Think he will play though, he gave an interview to MUTV yesterday about the physical battle he's gonna have against Gray and Feeney. Probably just not stayed the night with the squad
Biainkobe
0
Just remember lads, this is his first game as the permanent manager of Manchester United so it's definitely a big occasion. Although he's been here for 3 months this is arguably the real start of his United career. Hopefully he'll pass that job interview too and his next contract will be one for 5 years.
Zinokobbi
0
Will Lindelof start vs Watford?
Diuklru
0
united must beat them
Rees Marryshow
1
lukzlat910
2
Watford!!! Adhere to this sign or else suffer the consequences!!
vekdkmnrz
2
wish all the best man untd