Etienne Capoue was not content to settle for a largely promising performance as Watford were downed 2-0 by in-form Manchester United yesterday.

United exerted their dominance in part over the Hornets at Old Trafford, but were matched by their visitors in spells too, albeit not to the extent home goalkeeper David De Gea was ever too troubled.

Capoue conceded that Jose Mourinho's side had made life "difficult" for Watford but added the Golden Boys had needed to be better in both boxes - and against a team boasting United's quality, it is difficult to dispute his viewpoint.

He said: "They put us under a lot of pressure. We tried to play our football, but it was difficult and we didn’t create a lot of chances.

"We wanted to repeat the performance that we managed at Arsenal, but they played well in the midfield and created a lot of spaces. It was difficult for us to combat it, and they scored two good goals.

"We need to be more clinical at both ends of the pitch. When you have an opportunity to score, you have to take it, especially against this type of team.

"Niang made a lot of chances out wide to cross, but we need to be in the box to finish it."

The Hornets now face a two-week break without an FA Cup venture next weekend, and the brief respite from a punishing schedule over the past few months is one Capoue is looking forward to.

He said: "We’ve needed this break. We’ve played a lot, and our minds will be ready for the next game.

"We’re having some days off, and we need to enjoy it with our families."