​Mata, Martial score as United thump Watford 2-0​

Goals from Juan Mata and Anthony Martial spurred Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Watford on Saturday, as the Red Devils go one point behind fifth-placed Man City.

The Jose Mourinho’s men, who are now unbeaten in their past 16 Premier League games, took the lead when Martial set up Juan Mata to finish from close range in the 32nd minute.

While Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic lost the other chances of the first half thanks to Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes, the second half saw another goal by Martial which sealed the victory for the hosts.

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“It is a pity because we started very well. The important thing that we have to avoid is losing too many balls in the midfield. This is what cost us the result today,” Watford boss Walter Mazzarri said after the match.

The Red Devils coach hailed the fans, who were at the top of their voices as the Stadium was filled, and also commended Martial who made his first league start since January 15.

Mourinho added: “In the first half, the football was fabulous. The fans got behind the team just before we scored the goal because we were phenomenal.

“We are not a team scoring lots of goals so it is important to keep the clean sheets. I am really happy with the performance.”

Thursday night, United will welcome Saint-Etienne to Old Trafford in a Europa League last-32 first-leg tie, while Watford, who are out of the FA Cup, have a two-week break before they return to Premier League action at home to West Ham on 25 February.

 

 

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