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Men's Football Mourinho in a jovial mood after Smalling and Lukaku seal points for United

A GOAL from Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku’s 105th Premier League career strike helped Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over in-form and unbeaten opponents Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening.

The Belgian opened the scoring in the first half and in doing so, surpassed the Premier League goal tally of one of his childhood heroes in Didier Drogba. 

The visitors had their lead doubled within moments when Chris Smalling’s tidy control and left-foot finish gave the Reds a comfortable cushion going into the break. 

Speaking on his side’s performance, Jose Mourinho was pleased with the team and the hunger which his side showed.

“I am very happy with the points and the spirit,” said the United boss. “Lukaku sliding tackle after 50 metres running back to help the team … but I feel a bit frustrated because we had everything in the first-half to kill the game.”

Javi Garcia agreed and admitted his side were too passive in the first half and it had cost them.

“In the first-half, they played much better than us, they had more possession, they had more chances. We had spoken at half-time and tried to include things for the second [half] and I think we made a step forward and we were able to get out and try to create more chances with more possession — we were able to score one goal but [David] De Gea was amazing.”

When asked on Smalling’s performance, Mourinho made sure to voice his pleasure with Marouane Fellaini and the attributes he brings to the team also.

“The only thing I don’t like in Chris in this moment is the haircut! But he’s playing very well.

“Six goals and defensive mistakes [against Brighton and Spurs] and then we go to two matches away, difficult matches, difficult stadiums — Burnley & Watford. I felt that my central defenders in this moment of instability, they need somebody to support them, to give them the first ball and physicality.

“But Marouane is giving us more than that, he’s giving us that and also quality and simplicity in his football, he’s playing simple, so I’m really happy for him.”

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