Manchester United moved level on points with Manchester City in fourth place after Juan Mata’s late free kick saw the Red Devils beat Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal welcomed Anthony Martial back to his starting XI, with Marcus Rashford retained, but it was the visitors who looked the more threatening in the first half.
David de Gea was once again key for the hosts, saving well from Odion Ighalo either side of half-time while Rashford proved his worth in defence, clearing off the line from Ben Watson.
The hosts belatedly burst into life late on with Rashford the driving force, almost forcing an own goal off Sebastian Prodl before Mata curled an effort just wide.
The Spain international then grabbed the winner on 83 mintutes, his delightful free kick curling over the wall and into the top corner to secure all three points.
Goal