Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford's defeat at Manchester United was unfair

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores said the 1-0 defeat at Manchester United was unfair on his team.

Juan Mata's magical free-kick seven minutes from time was the difference between the teams as United moved level on points with Manchester City in fourth place. 

However, Watford created and missed a number of excellent opportunities in the defeat at Old Trafford with Odion Ighalo the chief culprit, while Sebastian Prodl had an effort cleared off the line and missed a guilt-edge chance from just four yards out late on.

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A win would have moved the Hornets to within four points of Manchester United but instead they are now 10 points away from the top four spots. 

"We lost a very good opportunity to add points in this amazing stadium," Flores said. "I think we played well. We created chances but when you come up against high-quality players in one second they can change the game.

"Our physicality was very good and we created gaps in their defensive line. We played the match we wanted to play before the game but we were only close to a good result. It's a little bit unfair and unlucky, but this is football. We have to accept the result."

Flores has seen first-hand the talents of Mata having worked with him when coach of Real Madrid's youth team.

Watford's boss said he wasn't surprised to see the net bulge when Mata stepped up to take his winning free-kick.

"He is an amazing player," Flores added. "I know him from Valencia. We know exactly how good he is from free-kicks - the position was perfect for him and he decided the match."