Watford 1-0 Sheffield United: Hornets give Rob Edwards winning start as manager

Joao Pedro scored four goals in 29 games as Watford were relegated from the Premier League last season

Rob Edwards made a winning start to life as Watford manager as Joao Pedro's goal proved enough to beat Sheffield United in a highly competitive Championship game at Vicarage Road.

The Brazilian had come closest for Watford before the break with a header from Ken Sema's cross which forced Foderingham into a smart save.

United - beaten on penalties by Nottingham Forest in last season's play-offs after finishing fifth in the table - have now lost their opening league game in seven out of the past nine seasons.

• Relive Monday's Championship action as it happened

Both sides have made four signings so far in the summer transfer window - but only one of them, Blades defender Ciaran Clark, started the game.

Boss Paul Heckingbottom was unable to call on Anel Ahmedhodzic after only finding out last week that the Bosnia defender was still subject to a one-game ban from his time with Swedish club Malmo.

Watford made an assertive start with Emmanuel Dennis, in particular, proving a handful for the United defence, and he played in Sarr after an early foray down the left, but his fellow striker could only find the side netting.

Dennis scuffed an effort from the edge of the box after Sarr returned the favour and it took United took 20 minutes to produce their first meaningful effort on goal from Sander Berge, while John Fleck and Francisco Sierralta were booked following a clash involving several players.

Watford appointed Rob Edwards after having three bosses during the 2021-22 season

In Iliman Ndiaye, the Blades had arguably the first half's most poised and skilful player and he could have done better after holding off Hassane Kamara as he ran onto Daniel Jebbison's flick, his shot lacking the power to seriously trouble Daniel Bachmann.

Following Pedro's headed effort, Bachmann was called into more serious action, having to adjust his feet quickly before tipping over a curling shot by Jebbison.

United were forced into a change after the break, with Max Lowe replacing injured Enda Stevens as they waited to take a corner.

Lowe had only been on the pitch for a few seconds when Watford won the ball and broke upfield with Dennis feeding Sarr, who squared for Joao Pedro to coolly slot in.

Reda Khadra, signed on loan from Brighton, made his debut and Billy Sharp replaced Ndiaye as Heckingbottom - who had been shown a yellow card for protesting after the goal - made four more changes to try and retrieve the situation.

They created very little, though, apart from John Egan's off-target header from Fleck's ball into the box and it was Watford substitute Rey Manaj - signed from Barcelona on a three-year deal - who forced Foderingham to go down to keep out a low 20-yard drive.

Six minutes of added time gave United hope, but Watford comfortably ran down the clock to take all three points and the first step towards a hoped-for return to the Premier League following last season's relegation.