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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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 19:09 · Jack Watson]

80: ​Martial appears to be through on goal but Watford regroup and Kabesele makes a vital tackle. 

[15 September 2018 19:11 · Jack Watson]

82: United are holding on and Scott McTominay is coming on for Alexis Sanchez. Holebas is replaced by Masina.

[15 September 2018 19:15 · Jack Watson]

86: Watford have a chance on the edge of the box but Deeney and Gray get in each others way. The home side are circling Manchester United but have not been able to find a way through, yet. 

[15 September 2018 19:17 · Jack Watson]

88: Issac Success comes on for Cathcart. A winger for a central defender can only mean one thing: it's kitchen sink time!

[15 September 2018 19:18 · Jack Watson]

89: Doucoure tries an effort from range, the left-footed shot moves a bit in the air but De Gea watches all the way into his clutches. 

[15 September 2018 19:20 · Jack Watson]

90: Five minutes of added time. This is so tense, Watford are desperately searching for an equaliser as United cling on.

Eric Bailey comes on for Antonio Valencia.

[15 September 2018 19:22 · Jack Watson]

90+3: Nemanja Matic makes a foul for his team and gets a second yellow card. The free kick is deep on the right and United have one less player to defend it. 

[15 September 2018 19:23 · Jack Watson]

90+4: What a save! De Gea! 

The cross is whipped towards Capoue, he gets a good head to the ball and guides it to the corner but De Gea gets across and keeps it out.

[15 September 2018 19:24 · Jack Watson]

Watford 1-2 Manchester United

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