Man Utd 1-0 Watford: Scott McTominay heads early FA Cup winner at Old Trafford

Scott McTominay celebrated captaining Manchester United for the first time with the early winner which saw off Championship visitors Watford in an unconvincing FA Cup third round win.

After the fast start, United struggled to impose themselves as Watford grew.

The Hornets had plenty of possession and came closest through Adam Masina.

United will go into the hat for Monday’s fourth and fifth-round draws, while Watford are left to focus on winning promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The hosts – much changed from Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City – did have chances to increase their lead, but Juan Mata failed to find a finish to an excellent three-man move just before half-time, then Daniel James and substitute Marcus Rashford had shots saved after the break.

But none of these were better than Hornets defender Masina’s effort, which United keeper Dean Henderson blocked not long after McTominay had struck.

Now under their fifth manager in two years, Xisco Munoz, Watford had other opportunities too but Joao Pedro’s header went straight to Henderson and Ken Sema was off target with his.

Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek did little to press their claims for a regular starting slot in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice side, while Jesse Lingard – making only his third appearance of the season and the subject of interest from a number of clubs in the January transfer window – showed glimpses of form but eventually faded.

No risks with Bailly

Given the increasing awareness of the effects of concussion, the decision of United’s medical staff to take no risks with defender Eric Bailly when he was caught in the head by Henderson’s knee as the keeper punched clear was a welcome one.

The Football Association had hoped to introduce concussion substitutes by now but it has not yet been able to as detailed protocols are yet to be received from Ifab, the world game’s rulemakers.

As Bailly was guided towards the tunnel in the last minute of the first half, Maguire replaced him and helped United keep the clean sheet which ensured they reached the fourth round for the 34th time in their past 36 attempts.’