Walter Mazzarri dedicates Manchester United win to Watford fans after ending jinx

By Michael Hincks

Walter Mazzarri is happy to fulfil the Watford fans' wishes after ending Man Utd hoodoo

Watford boss Walter Mazzarri said he was happy to fulfil the fans' wishes as they beat Manchester United for the first time in 30 years.

Mazzarri's men won 3-1 at Vicarage Road after Etienne Capoue, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Troy Deeney strikes handed United their third consecutive defeat.

The last time Watford tasted success over United was in 1986, when Graham Taylor guided the Hornets to a 1-0 victory over Ron Atkinson's side.

Three months' half-price Sky Sports

Watch the Premier League, Ryder Cup and the EFL Cup

"I'm very pleased for the fans," Mazzarri said after the match. "They told me it was 30 years since Watford beat Manchester United, so this win brings a lot of satisfaction."

Watford move up to ninth in the table after the victory, which follows their impressive 4-2 win at West Ham last weekend.

Advertisement
Image: Etienne Capoue celebrates putting Watford ahead

Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have scored more league goals than Watford this season, with Capoue putting in a stand-out performance once more.

The midfielder's fourth goal of the season put the hosts in front at Vicarage Road, before Marcus Rashford equalised from close range after the break. 

Also See:

An inspired change by Mazzarri saw substitute Juan Camilo Zuniga sweep Watford back ahead with his first touch seven minutes from time, and Troy Deeney added a late penalty after Zuniga was fouled by Marouane Fellaini.

Image: Juan Camilo Zuniga celebrates scoring Watford's second goal

For Mazzarri, the Watford boss was pleased to see his work in training pay off on the pitch.

"We played very well, even against Arsenal and Chelsea here at home, but we were more unlucky than today," Mazzarri added.

Jose Mourinho says his Manchester United side were in full control at 1-1 and was disappointed as his side lost late on to Watford at Vicarage Road

"I am very happy for my players, and most of all I am happy for the three points.

"It will give us the confidence to keep working on everything we've been doing up to now. It means that my work that we do every day in training is giving its worth now on the pitch."

Watch Man Utd v Leicester, the Ryder Cup and the EFL Cup as part of our three months' half-price offer.

Outbrain