“Paul said United was in his heart, Woodward wanted him at United a year ago and Mourinho had wanted him at Chelsea too, so when the two combined we knew it was right”. And Feyenoord’s goal could have been ruled out for offside in the buildup. “I think on Sunday character … needs to shine through because it’s unacceptable to lose three games in a row”.
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“Some of the players were playing their first minutes of the season”, Mourinho said.
“I think [the confidence] does take a little knock, but I think we can’t forget some of the chances we created”.
“I always feel that my job is that I am an extra source of motivation, but the motivation belongs to the players”. Marcus Rashford equalised in the 62nd minute with United’s first shot on target but Watford responded as substitute Camilo Zuniga fired them back in front having just come off the bench.
Asked, though, if Watford was the biggest match of his short reign given the events of this week, Mourinho said: “Watford?”
A scan revealed no damage and should mean Shaw returns to the starting line-up at Vicarage Road, where Watford are looking to build on last weekend’s impressive 4-2 comeback win at West Ham.
Summer signing Eric Bailly could be a doubt after picking up a problem in that match, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan may also miss out with a thigh injury despite being unlikely to start at Watford. After going 1-0 up we had to battle due to the physical intensity that they possess. They have to be fit and they are. They bought a powerful, strong midfield player who can take the ball.
United have been in this situation before under Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
Luke Shaw was singled out by Mourinho, who was unhappy with the England international’s positioning for Zuniga’s strike, with the Portuguese admitting it is up to him to drill his approach into his squad.
It’s time for a reality check at Manchester United. Similar things happened for Moyes, and for Ferguson in his near on three decades as United manager.
On the pitch, Mourinho’s charges may have been embarrassed last Saturday by their neighbours, and also by Feyenoord in midweek after making eight changes.
But he rejected the suggestion that the game at Watford has become his biggest test as United boss simply because of the last two results. This kind of support is pathetic.
There are many reasons why people end up missing a flight. One week a team could be a victor, and the next, a loser.
‘Against Feyenoord in the second half, we were the only team that wants to win and we lose. Many forwards need time to adapt to the Premier League, but not this guy.
United’s abject state was clear early in the game. Those expecting the win all of the time, then moaning when they do not get it is part of nature – some do support United exclusively based on the club’s history of winning, which is their own choice, but not one I would make for myself. “They (the fans) were exceptional today”.
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“I reflect on three factors from the match, but only one of them I can improve”.
