Jesse Lingard: 'Watford win a statement'

Jesse Lingard has said that Manchester United's 2-1 win away at Watford yesterday afternoon sent out a "statement" to their title rivals.

Having taken the lead early on through Memphis Depay at Vicarage Road, it seemed that the visiting Red Devils would have to settle for a share of the spoils when Watford's Troy Deeney converted an 87th-minute penalty.

However, in stoppage time a shot from United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger found the back of the net via a deflection off Deeney, which in turn secured all three points for Louis van Gaal's side.

"It's massive. It's a bit of a statement to the other teams, who will look at this and see we've won. It puts a bit more pressure on them, but it's a good feeling to be back up there," winger Lingard told reporters.

"It was a great way to end the game. I thought it was a scrappy match overall, the conditions didn't help, but we had to keep our concentration throughout and it's great to get the win."

United are now second in the Premier League and one point adrift of leaders Leicester City, who they face next weekend at the King Power Stadium.