But his team has hit the buffers in September, losing first to Manchester City in the derby, then Feyenoord in midweek before the latest disappointing reverse.
Advertisement
United’s latest reverse leaves them six points adrift of the early Premier League leaders, Pep Guardiola’s City, and puts Mourinho under immediate pressure to turn their results around.
Watford just edged a thrilling first half that saw plenty of chances at both ends.
“We’ve had the toughest start of any club this season and to come out of that with seven points, that’s massive for a club like us”, he said.
Then Prodl was involved again with a routine long ball by the central defender spilled by David De Gea, who clattered into his Chris Smalling, recalled in place of Daley Blind to presumably give United more defensive power.
A thrilling first half continued as Pogba collected Marouane Fellaini’s pass and curled a dipping effort from 30 yards against the bar.
“The outspoken Portuguese could not resist a dig at referee Michael Oliver, believing there had been a foul on Anthony Martial leading up to the opening goal for Capoue, but also rued his side’s ‘individual and collective mistakes”.
Mourinho could not confirm whether the France global had suffered a concussion despite being replaced by Ashley Young, disappearing down the tunnel with a limp which appeared to come from the challenge from Miguel Britos which led to the goal.
United were much better after the break and began to control proceedings with Marcus Rashford bringing them level in the 62nd minute. “Heurelho Gomes made a phenomenal save from a Zlatan Ibrahimovic header”.
By now there was wave after wave of United attack but it was Watford who struck with substitute Nordin Amrabat sliding the ball through to the impressive Roberto Pereyra.
Success brilliant pacy run from the left caused all sort of problems for United’s defence as the youngster had a one-two with Zuniga and was given a penalty in injury time.
Mourinho had won his first four competitive games as United manager, including the first three in the English Premier League.
Manchester United will start as heavy favourites to win their next game despite their poor form, with minnows Northampton Town providing the opposition in the EFL Cup.
Advertisement
Paul Scholes criticised Manchester United’s “sloppy” display after their 3-1 loss away to Watford on Sunday.
