Manchester United closed the gap on Manchester City to five points on Tuesday as they clinched a crucial 4-2 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
Watford started the game the better of the two sides but it was not long before the visitors wrested control of the proceedings. Ashley Young broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a thumping long-range effort before doubling his and Manchester United’s tally with a delightful free-kick.
A few minutes later, Mourinho’s men further increased their advantage as Anthony Martial finished past Heurelho Gomes. As the match looked to be easing towards the finish line, Watford grabbed two quickfire goals through Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
But, all hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jesse Lingard struck a wonderful solo goal to put the match to bed. And the Englishman was hailed for his goal on Twitter in the immediate aftermath of the encounter.
Lionel Messi watches Jesse Lingard comps before bed
— José (@MourinhoMindset) November 28, 2017
Jesse Lingard! pic.twitter.com/8W3Y2hQ3pS
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) November 28, 2017
Game over, lingard has been absolutely brilliant pic.twitter.com/pNXMY0dMEZ
— González (@A1Cal) November 28, 2017
Jesse Lingard doing his best Lionel Messi impersonation #MUFC pic.twitter.com/GCD7ojNoUZ
— Jeff (@TypicalZlatan) November 28, 2017
Where are all those moaning about Jesse Lingard now? #MatchdayMac #MUFC #WATMUN pic.twitter.com/pHQrJZYEeC
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) November 28, 2017
Messi Lingard strikes again… ? pic.twitter.com/TmSuLatAY9
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) November 28, 2017
Jesse Lingard to save the day. And relax.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 28, 2017
That’s brilliant from Lingard. Skilful run and top finish. Suspect those who couldn’t believe he was starting are a bit quieter now.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) November 28, 2017
Lingard scores bangers! pic.twitter.com/diWnB3UgZE
— Busby Bulletin (@BusbyBulletin) November 28, 2017
Ashley Young was brilliant for Manchester United yet again and the veteran Englishman was in for some praise as well.
Ashley Young’s free kick looks even better from the stands ? pic.twitter.com/urG7g5t9Qw
— FootyYapper (@FootyYapper) November 28, 2017
Roberto Carlos has pictures of Ashley Young on his bedroom wall. Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/sFCTsr89qn
— Marky Carter (@marky_carter) November 28, 2017
Ashley Young, yet again, putting in a mighty shift. Has been sensational this season. Fair play to him, at 32, for bouncing back like this. Great to see.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 28, 2017
Van Gaal isn’t fondly remembered but he brought about a lot of improvement in Ashley Young and that’s continuing under Mourinho. Proof that, even at 32, you can learn/improve #mufc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) November 28, 2017
Ashley Young when his contract is coming to an end. pic.twitter.com/zfqLHUW5YO
— United Religion (@Unitedology) November 28, 2017
Victor Lindelof received plaudits for his performance as well, with the Swede looking much improved on the night.
Shoutout to my man Lindelof. Got slated the past couple weeks for his performances, but he’s been nothing short of class the past two weeks. Absolutely brilliant.
— Öliver. (@UtdOliver) November 28, 2017
All those who abused Lindelof directly & wanted him out of our Club should do the decent thing & apologize to him…
Then look at yourselves & know next time to “Give the player time to settle”#MUFC— Billy Meredith (@BigPert_MUFC) November 28, 2017
Victor Lindelof has received a lot of stick at the start of his United career, but he’s been excellent the past two games. Long may it continue. #mufc pic.twitter.com/nJ10SG8IXL
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) November 28, 2017
Lindelof is starting to show glimpses of the player we hoped Jose had signed. Thankfully Mou has a bit more patience than some Reds online #MUFC
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) November 28, 2017
Lindelof is finally showing up and proving himself just like a certain Vidic. Hope he becomes as good as him one day.
— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) November 28, 2017
