Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho obviously had some harsh words for his players at half-time as they burst out of the blocks after the break with Ibrahimovic slashing a sublime volley inches wide.
Advertisement
It is the first time in thirty years Watford have managed a win against the Red Devils.
He has now lost 11 of his last 21 Premier League games in charge of United and previously Chelsea, while world record signing Paul Pogba is struggling to settle, and Wayne Rooney failing to adapt to a midfield position.
But Mourinho insists he was already aware of United’s flaws during the three-match winning run that started his Old Trafford reign.
“But was I thinking that my team was ready, perfect, unbeatable? We have to go to Burnley next Monday and play in the same way”. “My only doubt was how they [my players] could cope with the negative moments that will always arrive”. I feel that some individuals probably feel too much pressure and that responsibility.
“I reflect on three factors from the match, but only one of them I can improve”, he said. “So we were punished by these mistakes and I can’t do anything about it”. I promise you that I don’t know.
“This is a technical but also a mental attitude”, he added. But the third thing is in my hands, which is the improvement of the team and individuals.
Substitute Juan Zuniga scored the vital goal with his second touch eight minutes from time on Sunday and Troy Deeney put the icing on the cake with a last-minute penalty. The image was a little bit tough, but we need to assess tomorrow. (Nordin) Amrabat receives the ball and our left-back (Shaw) is 25 metres from him instead of five. “It doesn’t become flawless in a couple of weeks”.
The United boss looked unhappy with the home side’s opening goal, feeling Anthony Martial was fouled by Miguel Britos. “Lady luck we don’t control, the referee’s mistakes we don’t control”.
Watford threatened the Man United goal 20 minutes from time when a risky free kick was met by Prodl at the near post, but Shaw was on hand to clear the danger as the hosts continued to look threatening from set pieces.
But the Italian was happier that the impressive performance proved his methods can work in the Premier League.
“Ibrahimovic is the type of player I call eternal and immortal”, he said.
Advertisement
“I think they’ll be in good form and have a lot of confidence from beating West Ham like that”. We prepared the game very well. “They have a great squad and we have to be careful”.
