Pundit praises one Man Utd star in wasteful display vs Watford

Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams was impressed by Man Utd youngster Anthony Elanga despite their 0-0 draw against Watford.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit a post and had an effort ruled out for offside early on, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba were among those who failed to make the most of opportunities in a contest that saw Man Utd create many while bossing possession.

The result – a third draw in five Premier League outings for the Red Devils, having also been held 1-1 by Burnley and Southampton this month – leaves fourth-placed Man Utd two points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal having played three games more.

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And Williams – who played in the Premier League for Swansea City and Everton – doesn’t think Man Utd played badly and praised Elanga.

“I thought Anthony Elanga had a really positive game, he was at the heart of most of the good stuff that United did,” Williams said on BBC’s Match of the Day.

“Ronaldo hit the post early on and it just carried on from there. That was the story of the game for United.

“They didn’t play badly, they created a lot of chances, but they just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“You were watching the game and thinking surely they’re going to put one of these chances away but chance after chance went begging, there were so many wasted opportunities.

“You expect better from the likes of Ronaldo, Fernandes and Pogba. Some of the link-up play was excellent but they couldn’t finish it off.

“United carved them open on a number of occasions but they just couldn’t get the ball over the line.”

Man Utd midfielder Bruno Fernandes was frustrated that they dropped another two points as they look to chase down