McTominay’s 4th Minute Header Sends Man Utd To FA Cup 4th Round

Scott McTominay’s fourth-minute header was enough to give Manchester United an unconvincing victory in their FA Cup third-round tie against Watford on Saturday.

Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in a much-changed side from Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City, McTominay found the net after rising to meet Alex Telles’ corner.

The hosts 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 those opportunities were better than that for Hornets defender Adam Masina, who saw his effort blocked by United keeper Dean Henderson not long after McTominay had struck.

Now under their fifth manager in two years, Xisco Munoz, Watford had other chances too – 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 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.

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.