Anthony Martial gave the perfect reply to Jose Mourinho’s criticism of him as Manchester United maintained their push for a top-four finish with an impressive 2-0 win over Watford at Old Trafford.

The French forward was dropped by Mourinho for Man United last two games and has not started a league game for the Red Devils since January. He was United’s top scorer last season but dips in form and lack of playing have fuelled rumours of his possible exit from the club.

But he has refuted such claims and impressed on his return to the Manchester United starting line-up, scoring one and providing the other as his side ran out comfortable winners against Watford.

Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed clear chances to put the home side before Juan Mata broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute after he was set up by Martial. That goal made Mata United’s second highest scorer this season.

Martial sealed the victory 30 minutes to the end of the match as United become the first team to win 2,000 points in the Premier League. They are now unbeaten in 16 league matches, their longest run in the top-flight since March 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Jose Mourinho men now face a hectic schedule ahead of them. They welcome Saint-Etienne to Old Trafford in a Europa League last-32 first-leg tie on Thursday 16th February before an away fifth round FA Cup match away to Blackburn on Sunday,19th.

They traveled to France for the second leg of the Europa League last 32 on the 22nd and rounded up the month with the EFL final match against Southampton on February 26.