Back-to-back defeats have seen United’s lead over third-placed Middlesbrough slashed to four points, although United do have a better goal difference and also a game in hand.
But Saturday’s clash against Slaven Bilic’s side has certainly gained extra importance, with United reporting a clean bill of health ahead of the clash. So we tasked our man to step into Paul Heckingbottom's shoes and select the side he would send out to face Watford – here’s what he came up with...
9. James McAtee
Also on the scoresheet at Millwall, Norwood and Doyle’s presence behind McAtee allows the City loanee the freedom to roam with the ball and make things happen, ala the Mark Duffy role. Gives Sander Berge chance to come on and affect the game later on too Photo: Paul Terry
10. Iliman Ndiaye
Another Blades star not quite at his commanding best in recent weeks but if he’s fit, he’s always going to start because of the ability he has and chances of making something happen out of absolutely nowhere Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Oli McBurnie
United’s top scorer this season, United need him and Ndiaye to rediscover the form that made them such a devastating proposition for opposition defences earlier in the season Photo: Simon Bellis