MATCH STATS

Watford 1

Gray (65)

MANCHESTER United 2

Lukaku (35), Smalling (38)

Jose Mourinho hailed Marouane Fellaini as the cure to Manchester United’s defensive ailments following another impressive display from the midfielder in a narrow victory at Watford.

The Red Devils prevailed at Vicarage Road as first-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling were enough for the visitors to end Watford’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Andre Gray struck in the second half, but United hung on at the end, despite Nemanja Matic’s stoppage-time dismissal to pick up back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

Fellaini’s header set-up what proved to be Smalling’s matchwinning volley and he also did well in his position as a shield to United’s nervy defence.

The 30-year-old signed a new deal at Old Trafford over the summer and came into the side for the win at Burnley ahead the international break, with Mourinho’s side having lost to Brighton and Tottenham before visiting Turf Moor. Mourinho made one change to the victory at Burnley, with Luke Shaw not featuring in the matchday squad after suffering concussion while playing for England last weekend. Ashley Young came in against his former club, but Mourinho confirmed Shaw will start in the Champions League against Young Boys next week.

He also praised the spirit his side showed to defend their lead in the closing stages, even if he felt they should have been home and hosed by that point. “I am very happy with the points,” he said. “I am very happy with the spirit. I feel a bit frustrated because we had everything in the first half.” Watford had won their four previous league games of the season heading into this clash – but even in defeat manager Javi Gracia felt his players showed their class.

“I think the first half, they played much better than us, had more possession and more chances,” he said.