Watford brought he curtain down on the 2017/18 season with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Manchester United.

Marcus Rashford’s goal was the difference at Old Trafford as both sides toiled to create clear openings.

When Watford did breach the United defence, they were frustrated by Sergio Romero as the keeper made a world-class save to deny Richarlison’s header from six yards.

A game low on quality, saw Watford contain this season’s FA Cup finalists but struggle to pose a genuine threat going forward.

Here’s how we rated the Hornets at Old Trafford.

Heurelho Gomes – 6.5

Watford Observer:

Recalled to the Watford side for the first time since January and earned his 100th Premier League appearance for the club in the process.

Showed good footwork on a number of occasions and could do precious little to stop the United winner.

Daryl Janmaat – 7

Got forward well on the right to create some of Watford’s best moments. His cross for Richarlison made Watford’s best opening late in the first half.

Defensively sound and the better of Watford’s two full-backs as he kept Alexis Sanchez on a short leash throughout the encounter.

Christian Kabasele – N/A

Injury ensured the defender lasted just 20 minutes before being forced off.

Craig Cathcart – 6

Watford Observer:

Lost track of Mata for the United goal as the Spaniard’s clever movement left Cathcart chasing shadows.

Otherwise sound and continued his resolute form at the heart of Watford’s defence since his return from injury.

Jose Holebas – 5

Too deep and played Mata onside for the game’s only goal. Also struggled to have an impact going forward and once again failed to offer a threat from set-pieces.

A position Watford will need to strengthen in the summer given their lack of genuine options beyond the former Greek international.

Will Hughes – 6

Watford Observer:

A deeper role for the Watford number 19 and he was below the level he has shown from a wider position in recent times.

Worked hard but was largely frustrated and gave the ball away repeatedly.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5

Typically powerful in the centre of the park and broke up play at regular intervals. Provided the starting point for what Watford could offer going forward.

Richarlison – 6.5

Couldn’t do much more with Watford’s best chance of the day when he forced a superb stop from Romero just before half-time.

Was Watford’s main attacking outlet by offering energy throughout the game and looked to run at the United defence whenever given the chance.

Roberto Pereyra – 6

Watford Observer:

Grew into the game, but was quiet for most of the first half. Given his fine form coming into the game, more would have been expected of the Argentine and he was off the pace.

Gerard Deulofeu – 5.5

Tried to do too much and often opted to hold possession when a simple pass would have been in the team’s best interests.

Lost the ball cheaply at times and wasted a number of good crossing positions.

Andre Gray – 6

Watford Observer:

Isolated and barely had a sniff at goal. When he did get an opening the offside flag denied him, which was just as well considering Gray fluffed his lines.

SUBS

Adrian Mariappa – 6.5

Called into action with the game still in its infancy and was once again a committed figure. Made one important first half block and largely contained the pacey Rashford.

Troy Deeney – 6

Won some hopeful balls forward and Watford looked better for his presence in and around Gray. Also had to feed off limited service.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 6

So good to see the midfield man involved for the last 15 minutes after eight months in the treatment room.

Unsurprisingly, Chalobah kept it simple as he felt his way into the game but he did provide a dangerous cross to worry United late on.