Manchester United have suffered their third consecutive defeat after losing to Watford 3 -1 at Vicarage Road. The Red Devils came to this match at the back of a Europa Cup defeat to Feyenoord and a derby defeat to Manchester City a week ago.
Etiene Copoue was in blistering form as he netted his fourth goal of the season in the 34th minute to put the hosts ahead, Marcus Rashford levelled things up in the 62nd minute and it seemed like United will manage to settle for a point. But Camilo Zuniga turned things around after he came off the bench and immediately scored in the 83rd minute. Troy Deeney added the icing on the cake by scoring deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot to give the Hornets the first victory over Manchester United since 1986.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to score for the first time this season in the Premier League and had a rather dull game. Wayne Rooney too seemed clueless in the midfield alongside world’s most expensive player, Paul Pogba. Watford’s defense was resolute and well drilled as they kept United at bay. The Reds only managed two shots on target out of their fifteen and enjoyed 60% possession.
It was the United defense that had to make 39 clearances and conceded 5 shots on target, out of which two resulted in goals. The first goal came as, Anthony Martial was caught in possession by Daryl Janmaat and Miguel Britos, the defender then passed the ball to Copoue who opened the scoring for the Hornets. Paul Pogba struck the cross bar on the hour mark but the goal came from the foot of Marcus Rashford whose cause was helped by a poor clearance from Valon Behrami. The ball fell in to the foot of the 18 year old who levelled things up from close range. Watfrod brought on Camilo Zuniga who put them back ahead courtesy of a Pereya cross. To add further misery, Marouane Fellaini fouled Zuniga inside the box which resulted in a spot kick. Troy Deeney made no mistake and gave Watford a memorable 3-1 victory.
It seems that the Mourinho magic is wearing off. United didn’t look like the well-oiled machine which, they were, in the opening three fixtures. Mourinho needs to build a character in this team because clearly, United have trouble bouncing back from going a goal down and then finishing the game off. This can also be seen in the past three fixtures, the defeat at the hands of City have shaken them up. They sit in number 6th spot in these early days and will face champions Leicester next at home.
