Webber left the Hornets to move to United in March 2005, and in the 87th minute his header from two yards earned a victory that could prove crucial in both these teams’ quests for Barclays Premiership survival.

United had created the better chances of a match short on quality, with Christian Nade and Rob Hulse both hitting the post, while Watford’s Chris Powell was sent off in stoppage time for two bookings.