MICHAEL Carrick turned back the clock with a virtuoso passing display that put Manchester United on course for victory and reminded fans how much they will miss him.
On a day of goodbyes at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old chipped a magnificent 50-yard pass after 34 minutes that landed on the boot of Juan Mata.
He skilfully squared the ball slightly behind him for the on-rushing Marcus Rashford to drive it into an open goal.
It was a fitting reminder, on Carrick’s first league start of the season, just how much Jose Mourinho’s side has missed that kind of defence-splitting passing this season.
It also helped remind younger fans just how Carrick has become one of the legends of the Premier League era in his dozen years at the club.
Five league titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, each of the two European trophies - it is no accident that Carrick has become one of the modern game’s most decorated, and probably under-appreciated, stars.
Mourinho tried to correct that lack of appreciation on Carrick’s farewell, naming him skipper and both sets of players gave him a deserved guard of honour onto the pitch before kick-off.
And, on the final whistle, Carrick took hold of a microphone to thank United supporters who have seen him play over 460 times for their club.
But Carrick may not have been the only United player to be saying adieu to the club given yet more speculation surrounding the future of French international Anthony Martial.
Yesterday was also the end of Mourinho’s own special partnership with coach Rui Faria who is now leaving United to look for a job as a manager in his own right after 17 years alongside Jose.
Carrick, of course, is moving onto United’s coaching staff and if he can coach half as well as he can pass, Mourinho could do far worse than immediately appoint him in Faria’s place.
The Carrick appreciation day at least gave some meaning to an otherwise meaningless last day affair that saw Mourinho rest most of his front line stars ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final.
One of the stand-ins, keeper Sergio Romero, made the most of a rare chance with a stunning diving save to keep out Richarlison’s header that was bound for the corner late in the first half.
And Gerard Deulofeu’s follow-up shot from the corner was aimed straight at United’s deputy keeper.
The second half offered even less in terms of goalmouth action with Alexis Sanchez’s far-post cross almost finding Mata in one rare moment of excitement.
And the unimpressive Marcos Rojo almost gifted Watford an equaliser when his poor pass was charged down by Will Hughes only to bounce to Andre Gray in an offside position.
At least the lack of on-field action allowed United fans to remember former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, currently recovering following last weekend’s brain surgery.
The entire Old Trafford crowd stood in his honour, chanting “Stand up for Alex Ferguson” midway through the second half.
Abdoulaye Doucoure rose to meet Jose Holebas’s late corner although his effort lacked power and offered Romero a comfortable save.
And six minutes from time Mourinho was able to offer Carrick one last moment in the spotlight as he took him off, replacing him with Paul Pogba, to a massive ovation from United and Watford fans alike.
Manchester United FC 1-0 Watford: How the players rated
Not exactly the most inspiring display by the home side as they now focus on the FA Cup final
Manchester United ended their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Watford at Old Trafford.
Here, James Robson gives his verdict on how Jose Mourinho’s men performed.
Sergio Romero
A virtual spectator for the majority of the match, but still produced an impressive save to deny Richarlison late in the first half 7
Matteo Darmian
Got up well to support on the wing - and generally solid on what may be his final game at Old Trafford 6
Eric Bailly
This was a major statement ahead of the FA Cup final. Produced several telling interceptions and always looked cool in possession. But will it be enough to start at Wembley? 8
Marcos Rojo
A trademark reckless challenge got him in the book early on. Just doesn’t inspire confidence 5
Daley Blind
The Dutchman had a rare run out in midfield - but just doens’t have enough impact on the game 5
Ashley Young
Roundly booed by travelling fans after leaving Watford in 2007. He didn’t let that bother him and was an effective outlet on the left 6
Michael Carrick
That pass for Rashford’s goal was what his career has been about. Inch perfect. For everything he has done in 12 years at Old Trafford and for all those years when he was criminally overlooked by England, he bows out with a perfect mark 10
Scott McTominay
Neat and tidy as ever. It’s easy to see why so many within United believe he has a big future. But he wants to succeed Carrick, he must start having a bigger impact 6
Juan Mata
So unselfish when laying off to Rashford to open the scoring, but didn’t open up the Watford defence often enough 6
Marcus Rashford
He really needed that goal if he is to have any chance of starting at Wembley. Took it well and was lively with little service 7
Alexis Sanchez
Worked tirelessly, but Mourinho would’ve wanted him to do more in dangerous areas. Might has at least worked the goalkeeper with on first half chance 6
Subs
Luke Shaw (for Young 60)
Mourinho’s need to give so much coaching from the touchline is indicative of his concerns about the left back 5
Ander Herrera (for Blind, 76)
Put himself about as usual 5
Paul Pogba (for Carrick, 86)
Perhaps symbolic that he replaced Carrick. Time for him to make the midfield his own. Too late to mark
Not used: Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard, Antonio Valencia, Joel Pereira
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