Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores believes Odion Ighalo is putting too much pressure on himself to score following the Nigerian’s run of two goals in 12 matches in all competitions.

The striker struck 13 times in the opening 19 games of the season, form which attracted interest from several of the Premier League’s top sides.

But since the turn of the year the 26-year-old has struggled in front of goal.

That was highlighted again on Wednesday evening as Ighalo spurned several chances to put the Hornets in front against Manchester United. They would eventually go on to lose the game 1-0.

But Flores is nothing but supportive of Ighalo. He understands strikers become exasperated when they are not scoring.

He insists it is his job to try and relax the Hornets’ top scorer ahead of Watford’s Premier League clash with leaders Leicester City.

“He’s not scoring so we need to support him a lot,” Flores said. “Of course, the moment he scores it becomes easier for the team.

“My work with Ighalo now is to try and take away pressure. He has put pressure on himself. It’s like he feels he has to score. That isn’t the best way to recreate a good feeling.

“It’s a mistake to put pressure on himself. He needs to work to separate the feelings of scoring with the feelings of playing with freedom in the team.”

Flores added: “Ighalo is a little bit frustrated. Strikers need goals to feel good. You can feel he is trying but sometimes he makes bad decisions. I support him more than ever.”