Ashley Young struck twice against former club Watford as Manchester United won a thrilling contest at Vicarage Road to close to within five points of leaders Manchester City.
With City not in action until Wednesday evening, Jose Mourinho's side had a chance to put some pressure on the title favourites and did so as they eventually ran out 4-2 winners in Hertfordshire.
Young scored two sublime goals in quick succession, with Anthony Martial adding a third as United seemingly wrapped up three points before the interval.
Watford rallied, however, with Troy Deeney pulling one back from the penalty spot before Abdoulaye Doucoure turned home with six minutes remaining.
A fine solo strike from Jesse Lingard assured United of victory and three points which could prove vital come the end of the season.
Watford
Gomes 7
Could not be blamed for any of the goals and made spectacular block from Lingard.
Femenía 6
Better going forward than in defence as Watford were picked apart at the back.
Mariappa 5
Unhappy performance as United’s pace and movement destroyed Watford.
Prodl 5
First start for three months - and it showed. Very ring rusty.
Kabasele 5
His mistake in the build-up to United’s third goal. Got punished.
Zeegelaar 6
Still wearing a mask thanks to Andy Carroll’s elbow, might want a better disguise.
Doucoure 5
Started very well but got worse. Sloppy in possession and got punished.
Cleverley 6
Young had a stormer against his old club, Cleverley could not reach the same heights.
Hughes 5
One of Watford’s livelier players but hobbled off with a hamstring injury.
Richarlison 5
United shackled him as well as any opponent this season. Hit the bar.
Gray 5
Got very little service but looked isolated and devoid of any chances.
Substitutes
Pereyra, for Hughes, 58 mins, 6
Carrillo, for Prodl, 58 mins, 6
Man Utd
De Gea 6
Had a very quiet night, rarely troubled and could put his feet up.
Lindelof 7
Got a bit lucky early on but generally solid. One of his best games yet.
Smalling 7
Who needs to pass like Beckenbauer when you are rock solid in defence?
Rojo 7
Only his second game back but already looks back to form.
Valencia 6
Got forward well and United’s captain led by example.
Pogba 7
Drove United forward with his energy and boundless runs.
Matic 6
Went off early which must be a worry ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
Young 8
MotM. Brilliant brace on his return to Vicarage Road. Both Goal of the Month contenders.
Lingard 7
Welcome Premier League start, showed good movement denied by Gomes.
Martial 7
Scored with a clinical finish to delight the United fans who love him.
Lukaku 7
No petulant kicks or goals but his all round play was important.
Substitutes
Herrera, for Matic, 54 mins, 6
Rashford, for Martial, 64 mins, 6