Hornets manager Roy Hodgson is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead of his Golden Boys during tomorrow’s encounter against Manchester United (Saturday February 26, 3pm KO), but remains optimistic about the match.
Back in November, Watford put four past the Red Devils on their way to a memorable victory and are looking to complete the double on their travels to Old Trafford.
The 74-year-old himself has enjoyed a productive spell in his last three matches in the away dugout at the 'Theatre Of Dreams', taking seven points from those encounters. Subsequently, Hodgson is confident in his side’s ability to cause the Red Devils similar problems during the fixture on Saturday.
“I had two particularly good games up there that I remember against them, but I have to say that I’m a great believer in what has been, has gone,” said Hodgson.
“There is no doubt that I enjoyed those moments immensely, to have played well enough to have beaten Manchester United, but it has no bearing on my thoughts for this game. We have to go there from our position, which is a difficult one, and try and replicate that.
“We are confident in preparing the team each week for the games that are coming up, we’re confident that we have a group of players here that understand the gravity of our situation and who don’t want to be relegated from the Premier League. We know that we are going to have to fight if that is not going to happen.”
Although the reverse fixture’s result was significant, Hodgson is adamant that this is a different scenario. He believes his team must be focused in order to take vital points off Manchester United.
“Every game we play is another potential opportunity to take the points, but the games don’t get easier,” he answered.
“As far as I’m concerned, past results have no effect whatsoever on future results. It’s a different team and a different coaching setup.
“The quality of the opponents is going to make life difficult for us in terms of getting those points, but the good thing is, we are fit and ready to go and take on the challenge. It’s not going to be easy, but we want to win.
“There are very few teams in the league that can afford not to pick up points because teams are playing for European places or playing to stay in the league. We need points sooner rather than later.”
The Watford boss and the Red Devils’ interim manager Ralf Rangnick have crossed paths previously, meeting at UEFA’s headquarters in 2011 after Hodgson had guided his Fulham side to the Europa League final.
Hodgson has been impressed with the German’s start to life at Old Trafford but is hoping he won’t have too much enjoyment come Saturday’s fixture.
“They have been quite good [under Rangnick] and I think they have been fairly steady for a period now,” he continued.
“They are still in with a chance for top four which is important for them. Ralf is a guy I know very well. I know how good he is as a manager and as a thinker about the game, so I’m pretty sure he will have the team playing in a very organised and detailed manner.
“I met him with UEFA in the meetings that they have every year when they get the coaches together. I spent two or three days with him, and he is obviously a big Anglophile and he spoke very good English.
“He knew of me from my time in Switzerland when he was working in Germany, so we struck up a little accord during that period. Having got to know him I have followed his work a bit more closely abroad.”
Hodgson is looking forward to going head-to-head with the collection of United players that Rangnick has at his disposal, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, a player the Watford boss managed during his time with the England national team.
“He [Rashford] is a very good person and a very good player,” Hodgson added.
“What he has done off the field has been quite incredible and has rightly been recognised by The Queen in honouring him.
“[Ronaldo] is one of the world’s greatest players and will always be in that group when people are being asked in the future.
“Of course, the quality of their individuals when you play Manchester United is what worries you the most because they do have some of the most expensive players on the planet playing for them.
“When are Manchester United not a good team, really? They are a team blessed with very good players and they understand the importance of putting on the shirt and going out at Old Trafford - one of the real temples of European football.”
