For the second time in a row, Manchester United manager José Mourinho chose Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini ahead of summer signing Fred in his starting XI on Saturday.

The Brazilian was tipped by many Red Devils faithful to return to the club’s first eleven against the Hornets, however, Mourinho preferred the former Everton star ahead of the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk player.

Though Mourinho’s men were once again dull at the final third of the pitch, they were able to grind-out result they wanted as they narrowly defeated their opponents at the Vicarage Road.

Marouane Fellaini was deployed as a deep-lying defensive midfielder throughout the encounter so as to protect the back four against a very sharp and counter-attacking Watford’s strikers.

Just as instructed by the Portuguese manager, Fellaini — who renewed his contract last month – helped the team won many aerial duels as result of his height and power.

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Speaking during his post-match conference, Mourinho reserved some praise for the 31-year-old midfielder ‘who played a simple game during the encounter’

According to the manager, Fellaini wasn’t just strong against Watford but also played a simple game which helped him make right decisions throughout the game.

He disclosed he’s happy seeing how the player has reacted to his newly found role in the team.

Yesterday’s win made it three wins out of five matches for the Old Trafford outfits so far this season.

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