Three players who shone for Watford against Manchester United

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Watford defeated Manchester United 3-1 to go 9th in the Premier League.

Watford fans had plenty to cheer

Watford condemned United to their first defeat against the Hornets in 30 years, and piled the pressure on Jose Mourinho’s men as they suffered their third defeat in the last eight days.

After Odion Ighalo had missed an open-goal chance, Watford finally took the lead when Daryl Janmaat set up Etienne Capoue for his fourth goal in five matches.

Marcus Rashford equalised for United after 62 minutes, but Juan Zuniga got his side’s second when he fired in with eight minutes on the clock.

Troy Deeney then added a third in the fifth minute of added time from the penalty spot to give Walter Mazzarri’s men a surprise, but thoroughly deserved, 3-1 win.

Here are three players who shone for the Hornets.

Sebastian Prodl

The 29-year-old Austrian was given the man of the match award for a performance in which he kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic well and truly shackled.

One tackle in particular summed up Prodl’s excellent showing, when he scythed down Ibrahimovic as he was through on goal with an expertly timed intervention.

Prodl was never much further from Ibrahimovic than this

Watford went into the match uncertain as to whether or not Prodl would be fit enough to play, but he more than proved his fitness with a commanding performance in the heart of Watford’s defence.

Prodl was also an attacking threat, using his height and physicality to cause problems in the United box from set-pieces.

Troy Deeney

Deeney was a physical threat throughout the match, giving Chris Smalling a tough afternoon on his return to the United XI. His tireless work ethic and aerial ability caused real problems for a United side that seemed liked rabbits in the headlights against their less illustrious opponents.

Deeney celebrates scoring Watford’s third goal

Though his powerful header was saved by David De Gea in the first half, he finally found his way on to the scoresheet when he calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 95th minute.

Etienne Capoue

Capoue continued his outstanding start to the season, scoring his fourth goal in five appearances. The goal was the least that he deserved, as he produced a performance full of industry that had United reeling throughout the encounter.

In addition to scoring for himself, Capoue was unlucky not to put his name to a few assists, with Prodl and Deeney a whisker away from converting one of his free-kicks.

Capoue scores Watford’s opener

Averaging either a goal or assist a game (having not scored a single goal last season), Watford will be hopeful that Capoue can continue his stellar run of form.