The September international break is something that can send shudders down the spine of Watford managers, but Tom Cleverley should be able to rest easy when it comes around this weekend after getting one over his former Man United and England team-mate Wayne Rooney to make it five wins from five this season.
Rooney described himself and Cleverley, who were part of the last United team to win the Premier League, as 'good friends who have been on many holidays together' ahead of the game, yet he saw his side succumb to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of Mileta Rajovic's brace.
‘I thought we dominated the game and had the best chances,' Cleverley said post-match.
‘I enjoyed the challenge of facing Wayne. It’s always good to see old team-mates and exchange ideas and stories and I wish him all the best for the season.’
The start of the game was marked by a poignant tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson, the manager who gave Rooney his England debut, while Swedish wingback Ken Sema was handed the armband for the Hornets.
Rooney and Cleverley (right) are good friends, as the former England captain admitted before the game
Watford looked in the mood straight away and their early pressure told when Rajovic deftly flicked Ryan Porteous’ cross in, although the ball did squirm through Dan Grimshaw’s legs.
Grimshaw made up for it with a string of stunning saves to keep Watford at bay, but Rajovic clinically added a second in the 72nd minute to settle the game, with Rooney’s men lacking quality in attack.
The hosts cruised through the rest of the clash and Cleverley can reflect on the promising foundations he is building in Hertfordshire, while Rooney will have no doubts regarding the task he faces going forward after his side were well-beaten, although Ryan Hardie did hit the post late on.
‘I think we’re doing one side of the game well and not the other,’ Rooney said. ‘It’s about putting that performance together both in and out of possession.
‘I felt there was some good stuff with the ball, but we were a little bit too nice in the final third so I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m happy with where we are at.’