Manchester United vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today
Follow all the latest updates as the hosts look to keep up momentum in the top-four race
It may still be the case that Manchester United have only lost once since the 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road which led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking and Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment but draws like these are slowly eroding hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League.
Solskjaer’s conquerors Watford, under new management themselves, will celebrate this goalless draw at Old Trafford, even if the point does little to help Roy Hodgson’s side in their battle against the drop. It was yet another afternoon when United had their chances but did not take them.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s form is especially concerning. The Portuguese looked every inch the 37-year-old centre-forward that he is and may be contemplating whether he can stomach a season outside of European football’s elite competition. If he decides not, that may be the best thing for all parties concerned.
United remain fourth, two points clear of fifth-place Arsenal, but have played three games more. And worryingly, this visit of a Watford side sat second-bottom could be viewed as the last in a run of favourable fixtures dating all the way back to early December.
After next week’s derby at the Etihad, top-four rivals Tottenham pay a visit with the return leg against Atletico Madrid following three days later. Even if the subsequent trip to Anfield is postponed due to the FA Cup quarter-finals, as seems likely, Rangnick is entering a defining period. Follow reaction from Manchester United vs Watford below and coverage of Everton vs Man City:
Leeds vs Tottenham: Recent results
Leeds United haven’t won in five Premier League matches since a 3-2 victory over West Ham on January 16th. They’ve conceded 16 goals in their last four league games with Liverpool putting six past Illan Meslier last time out.
Tottenham have lost four of their last five league games including a 1-0 defeat to Burnley last time out. Their sole victory during this run came against Manchester City at the Etihad when Harry Kane scored in stoppage time to lead Spurs to a 3-2 win.
Leeds vs Tottenham: Injuries and absentees
Diego Llorente (hamstring) and Robin Koch (head) have recovered from their respective injuries and are available for Leeds today but Marcelo Bielsa is still without Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Leo Hjelde.
Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur picked up an ankle injury against Burnley, which saw he subbed off at Turf Moor, and he misses out today. Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga are also absent due to injury.
Leeds host Tottenham in the Premier League
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Leeds welcome Tottenham to Elland Road this lunchtime.
It has been a week of drama at Spurs, as boss Antonio Conte questioned whether he was good enough for the job after a midweek defeat to Burnley, although later confirmed his commitment to the club following talks with owner Daniel Levy. Aside from a mesmerising win over Man City, the north Londoners have been in dire form in recent weeks but a game against Leeds could be just the tonic.
The Whites have had plenty of struggles of their own in recent times as, shorn of talismen Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford due to injury, a dismal run has seen them slide into the teeth of a relegation fight. Even their wing wizard Raphinha has been subdued and the spark which made them arguably the Premier League’s most entertaining team last season needs to be reignited sooner rather than later if they are to avoid a return to the Championship.
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