Evening all. Welcome to LIVE text commentary of Manchester United vs Watford, a vital game for Louis van Gaal's army if they are to keep their fading top four hopes alive.

FT United 1-0 Watford - Juan Mata scores a brilliant late free-kick to give Manchester United a flattering win over a wasteful Watford side.

We're into four added minutes. united will go level on points with City if they can hang on for the win.

United sub: McNair on, Mata off (to an ovation).

(They can have Ighalo to blame, by the way).

Watford have been the better side tonight but now stare defeat in the face.

GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Watford - Mata scores! The Spaniard bends a brilliant free-kick over the wall and leaves Gomes rooted to the spot. Super technique - heart-breaker for Watford.

PRODL CHANCE! More than a hint of a penalty as Prodl is dragged to the ground as he heads Watson's corner towards goal. He heads wide and, despite the pressure, he should score.

Holebas crosses for Amrabat, who can't get over the ball but forces a corner.

United sub: Lingard on, Herrera off.

A night of "if onlys" for Ighalo tonight. Could have had a hat-trick tonight.

Watford sub: Amrabat on, Ighalo off.

The ball almost drops for Ighalo in the box, but it hit his back and Fosu-Mensah is able to clear.

United sub: Darmian on, Rojo off.

Slick move by United but Mata finds Rashford in an offside position and that's unfortunate, as United had several players committed to that attack.

Rashford is finding his feet in the game now. Really dangerous when he attacks with a bit of space in front of him.

It's taken 67 minutes, but United are finally hitting their stride. Rashford has moved out to the right with Martial in the middle, and it's working for them. Watford under pressure.

SO CLOSE! Rashford with a strong run down the right and his cross flashes across the Watford goal. All it needed was a touch!

Lingard warming up for United.

United doing little more than pounding long drives from the distance - and Watford will let them do that all night.

United enjoying their best spell of the game here, but still unable to penetrate the Watford back line.