Marvin Zeegelaar was left bemoaning a dire first half display which ensured Watford went down to a 4-2 defeat against Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho’s side raced into 3-0 lead with just over half an hour played as former Hornet Ashley Young bagged a brace and Anthony Martial added a third.

A Troy Deeney penalty and well-taken Abdoulaye Doucoure effort gave Watford hope of a comeback, but Jesse Lingard’s fine solo strike left Watford empty handed.

While the Hornets’ second half rally was an undoubted positive, Zeegelaar accepted their performance in the first half left plenty to be desired.

“It was a good comeback in the second half but we had to start playing much earlier. At first it wasn’t good and we didn’t play our game like we used to play. In the second half we were better,” he said.

“Nobody recognised our performance in the first half and we were searching for form. We found that in the second half, but it was too late.

“Yes, the comeback is positive, but the game is lost so you win nothing.”

On a personal note, the past three games have been productive for Zeegelaar, with the Dutchman playing the full 90 minutes in each after making his debut in the 2-0 win over West Ham.

He says he is enjoying life in England, despite having to come to terms with the unique demands of the Premier League.

“It is a nice experience and I am happy to be here. I am happy and today was sad day but I have been enjoying it,” he said.

“The manager said I had to get my condition up and I didn’t play for a long time. I have taken the chance and I am trying to improve in every game.

“It is a physical league and had a lot of tall players which has been new but is a good thing.”