After spending much of last season in the treatment room, it is little surprise Craig Cathcart is relishing his fine start to the 2018/19 campaign.

The Northern Ireland international has formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Christian Kabasele this term, playing every minute of the Premier League so far and scoring a memorable winner against Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite seeing Watford's perfect record come to an end in a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Saturday, Cathcart reflects positively on his own form.

"I have been really pleased," Cathcart said. "It was really important for me to get a pre-season under my belt and I think that has made a big difference.

"I am feeling strong and feeling fitter every game I play. I have managed to get two games under my belt with Northern Ireland as well.

"I want to play every match I can. As long as I am feeling good, I am happy."

Cathcart's form has coincided with a run of games alongside Kabasele and the stability at the back has also aided Watford.

An injury-plagued campaign saw the Hornets repeatedly change their centre-backs last term and a leaky defence shipped 64 league goals.

Man United are the only side to score more than once against Watford this season, and Cathcart, while admitting he and Kabasele have helped solidify defence, says a committed team effort is aiding the Hornets.

He said: "I think myself and Christian suit each other's style of play. We have performed well from the start of the season.

"Someone told me a fact that we had conceded the fewest chances leading into the United game which we were surprised about.

"It is not just us, though, it is a whole team effort and we know what we are doing. The structure of the team has definitely benefitted us in central defence as well."