Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said Romelu Lukaku epitomised his team’s performance as they withstood a spirited fightback from Watford to claim back-to-back victories and condemn the Hornets to a first loss of the season.
United scored twice in three first-half minutes as Belgium striker Lukaku diverted Ashley Young’s cross in via his chest before Chris Smalling fired home Marouane Fellaini’s knock-down.
Watford pulled a goal back midway through the second half through Andre Gray, but despite putting Mourinho’s side under heavy pressure for the final 20 minutes, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Nemanja Matic was sent off after a mistimed challenge on Will Hughes saw him pick up his second booking in the closing minutes, but United were able to hold on to claim their 15th victory over Watford in their past 16 meetings.
Mourinho was particularly impressed with Lukaku’s defensive work-rate, after the striker chased down and tackled Watford substitute Adam Masina in the right-back position late on.
“I think that last Romelu Lukaku tackle as a right-back shows everything,” Mourinho said.
“I think he is the image of the team, a team that played very well in long periods in the first half. But we had the experience also here last season where they don’t give up and when the game is open they believe.”
The result leaves Watford fourth, while United climb to eighth.