Watford 1 v 2 United, Vicarage Road, 15.00 Saturday 26th August 2006.
Goals: Watford - Francis (34). Manchester United - Silvestre (12), Giggs (52)
Attendance: 19,453

Match Review
United made it seven wins in eight away games as a stubborn Hornets side refused to give in despite the Red's overwhelming possession and 16 shots on goal. Only a dreadful mistake cost the Premiership new boys the game as Ryan Giggs capitalised on a poor backpass to score the winner. United's team had a different look with SAF dropping an in-form Patrice Evra for Easter Island's very own Inspector Clouseau - a huge cock-up in many fans' view before the game. SAF also moved John O'Shea to right-back to accommodate debutant Michael Carrick in midfield.

The Reds were first to go close as Ronaldo who narrowly headed from a cross. United's opening goal came shortly after as Ryan Giggs picked up possession in midfield, driving towards the edge of the box United's captain found Louis Saha, the striker played in an overlapping Silvestre with a weighted pass and he proceeded to blast a shot into the bottom right corner to put United ahead.

United were far from solid as the game wore on and the reserve full backs struggled at times, especially on the left flank. Watford however were organised for the entire game and kept themselves in the tie - showing the kind of form that could keep them in the Premiership. With Watford seemingly under the cosh Hornets manager Boothroyd decided to change things introducing midfielder Spring for his attacking player Hameur Bouazza, and within minutes the game was level. Silvestre totally committing himself on the left leaving the entire flank open, was wrong footed and left chasing the heels of Young. The low cross went through the legs of Wes Brown and was met by Francis who stroked the ball home into an empty net for a deserved if fortunate equaliser.

United pushed forward again before the break as the lively Ronaldo skipped and danced past defenders on occasions but could not find an end product as the game remained level at half-time.

The second half started with Watford missing probably the chance of the match. Marlon King's deflected free kick fell into the path of Henderson on the right but the striker somehow missed two onrushing Watford players as he stabbed the ball across goal. With only bad luck separating the teams next came the hammer blow for Watford as all their neat play and organisation evaporated before their eyes. Substitute Matthew Spring passed back to his 'keeper, only for Ryan Giggs to nip in and gather, before rounding the 'keeper and hitting an empty net as United moved into the lead for the second time at 2-1.

Chances were exchanged again as both teams made substitutions. Park replaced Carrick, and Ryan Giggs moved to partner Saha. The Welshman sent Saha through one on one with Lee, the Watford 'keeper standing in for United's Ben Foster, Saha's weak effort was saved by Lee and kept the score at 2-1.

At the end of regulation time United were made to sweat as referee Phil Dowd added four minutes of injury time, United just about hung on after a schoolboy back pass from Silvestre had EVDS working overtime not to concede a corner, Silvestre continued to anger our keeper as with time and space blasted a late ball into the crowd for a dangerous Watford throw in, instead of the easier option of playing the ball to Ferdinand who could burn time by playing across the back four.

The pressure was finally ended as the referee blew for the end of the game, Watford did deserve something but came away with nothing, but this is the Premiership.

Rant Ratings
van der Sar (6); O'Shea (6), Brown (7), Ferdinand (7), Silvestre (3); Ronaldo (7), Carrick (5), Fletcher (6), Giggs (8); Saha (7), Solskjaer (5).

Subs Used: Richardson (5) for Carrick (75 mins), Park (5) for Solskjaer (59 mins).

Subs not used: Kusczak, Rossi, Evra.

United's Man of the Match
Ryan Giggs scored and looked a threat for large parts of the game. He's playing like he is 23 again - maybe he wants more contract talks!

Rant's Reaction
Jesus H Christ, if Silvestre hadn't scored this might just have been his worst display in a Red Shirt. Just where the fuck did SAF get the idea to drop in-form Patrice Evra and play this incompetent lackwit? Silvestre made mistakes all game, committed himself too much and left his flank exposed for Watford's goal. Towards the end of the match he couldn't even pass a safe ball to EVDS, and blasted the ball out of play while under no pressure. The man is a twat.

Was Rant's Prediction Right?
No as we said 2-0. United Rant 0 v 3 Wrong Predictions.

Milestones
Mikael Silvestre's 6th league goal of his United career and 9th goal overall.
Ryan Giggs' 96th league goal of his United career and 137th goal overall.
Mikael Silvestre's 330th competitive appearance for United.
SAF's 342nd Premiership victory

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Saturday 9th September 2006 against Tottenham
Hotspur in the Premiership at Old Trafford, with a 17.15pm kick off
United have been drawn in Group F of the 2006/07 UCL with FC Copenhagen,
Glasgow Celtic and SL Benfica.