Manchester United lost Nemanja Matic to a muscular injury against Watford, and Jose Mourinho is worried it could be significant.

Matic hobbled off in the 54th minute and was replaced by Ander Herrera, with United going on to see their three-goal lead cut to just one, with six minutes remaining.

Jesse Lingard secured the victory for the Red Devils with a fine individual effort, but Mourinho felt the loss of the Serbian midfielder was key as his team struggled late on at Vicarage Road.

While the Portuguese could not clarify the extent of Matic’s issue, he suggested it must be significant if the player requested his own withdrawal.

“For Matic to tell me he wants to be replaced, he does not do that if it is nothing important. It is muscular,” Mourinho said in quotes reported by the BBC.

“We lost stability when Nemanja Matic had to come out, but the important thing is the three points. I saw happiness from the team and played with a free mind.”

Anthony Martial added to Ashley Young’s brilliant first-half double against his former club, before Troy Deeney’s penalty and a goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure set up the tense finale.

In the same month that he made his first England appearance in more than four years, Young ended a 560-day wait for a United goal with his first against Watford.

The wingback’s second was an exquisite free kick, and Mourinho was surprised he was not kept away from the set piece by one teammate in particular.

“Ashley Young trains at free kicks and his conversion rate in training is good, so it was good he had the confidence to try it, after scoring the first goal,” said Mourinho.

“I was surprised that Paul Pogba gave him permission.

“At his age, Young’s playing better than ever and I couldn’t be more happy with him.

“Last season I learned what Ashley Young can be, he gives stability in his performances  and this season he is playing more regularly. He has the spirit and experience we need, today he also had the talent to score two beautiful goals.”