Watford vs Manchester United - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men hold on for all three points

Re-live all the action from Vicarage Road

Watford vs Manchester United preview

Manchester United will look to build on their win at Burnley when they travel to Vicarage Road to face an in-form Watford side who boast a 100 per cent record this season.

After a nervous start to the season against Leicester, United suffered back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Tottenham to leave them in danger of falling away from the Premier League title battle before it had got going. But a victory last time out has restored optimism that Mourinho is the right man at the helm.

Watford, however, have been the success story that no one expected this season. Four wins from four has the Hornets alongside Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table, and if they can pull off another shock this evening, they may start to eye an unlikely run at Europe this season.

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Preview...

Ending a run of two defeats with a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor in their last outing, United have started to rebuild some form after a turbulent few weeks that had put the spotlight very much on manager Jose Mourinho.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager still has the backing of the board, despite rumours suggesting otherwise, and United will hope they can begin to build some momentum with another win.

Standing in their way is a Watford side who have experienced a perfect start to the season with four wins from four, earning manager Javi Gracia the award for Premier League manager of the month.

With a hard fought victory over Tottenham last week, Watford will be looking for another high profile scalp as they aim to beat United for only the second time in 30 years, the last coming in 2016.

Manchester United will hope to hane (EPA)

What time does it start?

Watford vs Manchester United kicks off at 5:30pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1, BT Sport 1 HD and BT Sport 4K UHD from 5:00pm BST. Highlights will be available on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10:20pm BST.

It’s a big game for…

Paul Pogba: In the headlines once again this week, the spotlight will fall on Paul Pogba to step up and have a big performance against the Hornets at the weekend.

Missing a penalty against Burnley may have added to the managers growing frustration with the French international, but he will be looking for a positive response against a compact Watford side on Friday evening.

The win over Burnley eased the pressure on Mourinho (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

Best stat…

7: Since Javi Gracia’s first home Premier League match in charge of Watford he has won 7 home games – the joint best home record in the league with Liverpool.

Remember when…

Juan Zuniga sweeps in to power Watford ahead 2-1. putting the Hornets on their way to their first victory over Manchester United in 30 years. The score finished 3-1 to Watford with Troy Deeney scoring a penalty in added time to secure an historic result.

Player to watch…

Roberto Pereyra: With 3 goals in his first four games, Pereyra has been at the heart of everything good that the Hornets have done this season. With United still questionable in defence, the Argentine has all the tools to unlock the door for a Watford win in this game.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester United 1 (Rashford) Watford 0, Premier League, May 2018

Watford 2 (Deeney, Doucouré) Manchester United 4 (Young 2, Martial, Lingard), Premier League, November 2017

Manchester United 2 (Mata, Martial) Watford 0, Premier League, February 2017

Premier League form guide:

Watford: WWWW

Manchester United: WLLW

Odds…

Watford to win: 7/2

Manchester United to win: 19/20

Draw: 13/5

(Odds provided by Betfair)

[15 September 2018 17:34 · Jack Watson]

4: Doucoure has an effort from the edge of the box fly wide. That would have been some goal on the volley. Bright start here in north London. 

[15 September 2018 17:36 · Jack Watson]

6: Kabasele's pass across the pitch is intercepted and United are in. Sanchez works the ball to Young out wide and his low cross is claimed by the goalkeeper. A let off for the home side. 

[15 September 2018 17:40 · Jack Watson]

9: Manchester United settle with a spell of possession but it takes them ages to look for a pass that's going to start getting themselves through the Watford lines. Fellaini, Smalling and Lindelof seeing a lot of the ball, something Watford can certainly live with.

[15 September 2018 17:43 · Jack Watson]

12: Pobga tries his luck from range.

Pogba collects the ball from Young, fakes to shoot on his right foot, drags it onto his left and drives a powerful effort straight at Foster. 

Watford break forward and Hughes tests De Gea for the first time this evening. 

[15 September 2018 17:47 · Jack Watson]

16: What a save!

One long ball causes chaos at the back for United and Deeney latches onto the bouncing ball on the edge of the area and forces a great save from De Gea.

From the corner, United are made to work hard but eventually clear. 

[15 September 2018 17:51 · Jack Watson]

21: It's all rather slow from Manchester United but they are getting a little bit of joy on the left wing with former Watford player Ashley Young. 

[15 September 2018 17:54 · Jack Watson]

24: Ashley Young's delivery from a corner goes right the way through a crowded penalty area as nobody gambles on Foster not getting it. 

United continue to work the ball and have it in the net through Sanchez, but the offside flag was up well in advance. 

[15 September 2018 17:57 · Jack Watson]

27: There's two styles here which are cancelling each other out. Manchester United have been good with the ball until they reach the penalty area, where they are greeted by two stubborn lines of four equipped with two pressing strikers. It's very slow, to say the least.  

[15 September 2018 18:00 · Jack Watson]

30: Watford enjoy a spell of possession and they get the crowd going with some nice moves in the final third. 

[15 September 2018 18:01 · Jack Watson]

32: Sanchez's direct running works space for a shot, but it is straight at Foster. 

Young's corner from the right is deep to Smalling, who heads it down and Watford clear.