Javi Gracia says Watford’s flying start to the season has added to the belief the Hornets can continue to upset the odds against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Red Devils arrive at Vicarage Road looking to avoid the fate which befell fellow big six outfit Tottenham Hotspur in the Hornets’ last outing - a match which ended in the home side downing Spurs 2-1.

That win gave Watford a fourth straight Premier League victory and they will start the evening kick-off six points clear of their illustrious opposition.

While Gracia acknowledges United will pose a considerable threat, he feels Watford’s form leading into the clash will stand his side in good stead.

“They are a very good team and they finished last season second. They have a very good coach and and I know it will be a very, very demanding game,” the head coach said.

“When we are at home we feel confident and feel we can compete and get every point. In this moment the results help us feel we can beat them.

“We will need to play well, run a lot, fight a lot and we will prepare for the game as well as possible.”

United’s start to the campaign has been in stark contrast to the one enjoyed by Watford and Jose Mourinho’s position has come under heavy scrutiny.

The Portuguese manager has seen his side win two and lose two of their opening four games and rumours of disharmony among the United squad continue to circulate.

Gracia insists his focus remains on his own side but the Spaniard is still wary of a United squad featuring a host of world-renowned names.

He said: “I do not know if they are in crisis, I only know they have a very good squad.

“They can choose different players and most of them play for their national team and are scoring goals. I am sure they will play with 11 good players and will be a very hard test for us.”

Much of Gracia’s success with Watford has been defined by the Hornets’ home form and three of their wins so far this season have come at Vicarage Road.

The Golden Boys have also benefitted, Gracia claims, from a two-week break from action due to the international break - a luxury most of United’s starting XI can’t attest to enjoying.

Gracia is hopeful that the fresh legs in his side, coupled with a vociferous home crowd, will aid Watford on Saturday.

“We had more time [to prepare] because of the break. Some players have been with their national teams but we have prepared in the same way,” he said.

“It will be demanding to play against this Man United side, but playing at Vicarage Road we will be strong and we know we can beat any team at home.”

Victory over United would once again see Watford make history by becoming the first side in the club’s history to win their opening five games of a top-flight season.