Javi Gracia says the chance of securing a top 10 finish will motivate his Watford side at Old Trafford when the Hornets take on Manchester United on Sunday.

A 2-1 victory over Newcastle United sealed Watford’s top flight status last time out and they travel north as one of four sides, along with the Magpies, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who can finish 10th.

Watford, who currently sit 13th, must better the other three teams results to do so and Gracia is keen to finish the campaign on a high.

“After the last game and getting 41 points, now it is the new target to finish 10th, try to win the last game and try to score a goal away from home,” Gracia said.

“We want to try to compete at the same level as we did in the last games and try to get a better result away from home. We are one of four teams on 41 points and we never know what will happen.”

The win over Newcastle saw Gracia opt to play both Troy Deeney and Andre Gray together up front and he was rewarded with an attacking display from his side.

Gray and Deeney combined well as the former found the net in the vital win at Vicarage Road.

With safety secured, the trip to Old Trafford could represent a chance for Watford to play with freedom against Jose Mourinho’s men.

Gracia refused to reveal if he would persevere with two strikers against the Red Devils, but admitted it is a formation he favours.

He said: “I think it is a different game than the Newcastle one, but I can tell you I like to play 4-4-2 if we have the players available and can have a good balance.

“Last week against Newcastle we played with Will Hughes on the right side, [Roberto] Pereyra on the left and [Jose] Holebas and [Daryl] Janmaat as full-backs.

“I think we were balanced and we need to find the players that we have available in this moment.”