Manchester United have lost their second consecutive Premier League match and suffered their third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away to Watford.
An absorbing first half saw both teams trade blows in front of goal, with Odion Ighalo somehow contriving to slice a shot wide of a gapping goal when David de Gea clumsily spilled the ball into his path.
The opening goal came in controversial fashion after Miguel Britos recklessly stripped Anthony Martial of the ball, allowing Darryl Janmaat to surge down the byline and square the ball back for an on-rushing Etienne Capoue to fire a low drive past an out-stretched De Gea.
Juan Mata was introduced for Antonio Valencia on the hour mark, which meant Wayne Rooney was shifted into a more central position with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford was pushed further wide.
The change in dynamic for United had an immediate impact when Ibrahimovic’s driving run and subsequent linkup play with Rashford led to the youngster scoring an opportunistic goal from close range.
United continued to press and probe for a winner, only for substitute Juan Zuniga to plunder the ultimate sucker punch within a minute of coming on with a fierce drive into the bottom left-hand corner.
Troy Deeney put the icing on the cake from the penalty spot with the last kick of the game.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:
Don’t know where to begin with that. Honestly thought we would come out all guns blazing with a point to prove. Absolutely diabolical. #mufc
— Neil Bernstein (@nbernste) September 18, 2016
True what they say, money can’t buy happiness. #MUFC
— Darren (@darrenmccc) September 18, 2016
Disjointed. Lacking confidence. Clueless. Sums us up nicely I think #MUFC
— dipsmufc (@dipsMUFC) September 18, 2016
I’d start playing Paul Pogba behind Ibra and just drop Rooney. Unfortunately he’s not the same player he was before. So so so slow. #MUFC
— Aidan Walsh (@AidanMUFC_) September 18, 2016
Bring back LVG. At least we knew what to expect. Zero penetration, can’t pass to save their lives. Did we even get a shot on target? #mufc
— Sam (@SamKapur03) September 18, 2016
This week can only show Mourinho he can’t attempt to appease so-called star names. Changes in personnel & structure needed. Awful. #MUFC
— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) September 18, 2016
We’d like to apologise to all fans for the pathetic display because @ManUtd won’t! #MUFC
— RedReveal (@RedReveal) September 18, 2016
3 defeats within a week. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/3vKLmU9lTO
— Manchester United (@ManUtds_News) September 18, 2016
Once again, Paul #Pogba “MIA” in this one. It’s very early but #MUFC supporters have to be a little concerned here…
— Matthew Santangelo (@Matt_Santangelo) September 18, 2016
This is just madness. Poor tactics. Poor performance. No mentality. Utter disgust is all I can say about @ManUtd #MUFC #ManUtd dismissal
— Raziq Nazqua (@raziqnazqua) September 18, 2016
If #Rooney is our best attacking midfielder #MUFC better lock in for another bumpy season. No where near good enough.
— Robert Wilks (@Wilksy76) September 18, 2016
David Moyes’ appointment killed us. Give him 10 months in charge of City & see how long it takes them to recover. Bleak, bleak times. #MUFC
— Warren Elliott (@Wozzatron) September 18, 2016
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