Scott McTominay, Eric Bailly 7, Mason Greenwood 5; Adam Masina 7; Manchester United v Watford player ratings

United scrape through to FA Cup fourth round after McTominay's early striker

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Scott McTominay celebrated captaining Manchester United for the first time by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 FA Cup third-round victory against Watford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made nine changes to his team, who could go top of the Premier League on Tuesday, when they take on Burnley.

The home side started strongly at an empty Old Trafford, with Daniel James impressive on the left side of the attack, and were rewarded when McTominay gave them the lead in the fifth minute.

The Scotland international, who recently scored two early goals against Leeds, headed downwards from an Alex Telles corner and the ball went in off the post.

United were largely in control and Juan Mata saw an effort saved following a fluent team move and sumptuous flick by Donny van de Beek.

But McTominay's header proved the only goal of a first half in which Watford threatened intermittently. Adam Masina's effort was blocked by a mixture of United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Axel Tuanzebe.

The second half at Old Trafford was uneventful, with Watford failing to create clear-cut chances to threaten.

Solskjaer threw on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with just over 20 minutes to go but United were unable to extend their lead.

"The most important thing in the cup is that you go through, so that will make everyone happy, but the first 15-20 minutes I think were the highlights of our game, Solskjaer said.

"I think we played some very good stuff, created chances and then we let them back into the game but we are through."

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