Manchester United arrive at Stockport Station ahead of journey south for crucial Premier League showdown with Watford

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Manchester United's players have begun the journey south ahead of their clash with Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Manager Jose Mourinho was seen leading his men onto a train at Stockport Station ahead of the two-and-a-half hour trip to the town just north of London.  

And Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co looked focused knowing they cannot afford any slip-ups with rivals Manchester City holding onto their eight-point advantage at the top of the table courtesy of Raheem Sterling's late winner at Huddersfield.  

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho (right) arrives at Stockport Station on Monday

Nemanja Matic (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) ahead of the trip to Watford

Paul Pogba (right) and Co looked focused ahead of the crucial Premier League clash

Chris Smalling (left) and Victor Lindelof (right) kept low profiles ahead of the journey south

The Red Devils United looked a shadow of their best as they edged out Brighton thanks to a Lewis Dunk own goal at Old Trafford on Saturday and will know they face a tough task against The Hornets, who sit just four points outside the top four after a fine start to the season.  

United were beaten 3-1 on their last visit to Watford in the early stages of last season, while Marco Silva held Mourinho's team to a goalless draw at Old Trafford when in charge of Hull City last season.

Watford sit eighth in the league table following their impressive 3-0 win at Newcastle on Saturday and Silva's fine work is attracting admiring glances from managerless Everton.   

Spanish trio Juan Mata (left), Ander Herrera (centre) and David de Gea looked in good spirits

Argentinian duo Marcos Rojo (left) and Sergio Romero (right) chatted amongst themselves

Nonetheless, United will be favourites to take all three points and keep the pressure on City, who play at home to Southampton on Wednesday. 

Speaking about the challenge ahead, Mourinho said: 'Against Watford I was very upset with Watford's first goal after some guy sent (Anthony) Martial to the hospital and the referee let it go,' Mourinho said.  

'That is the reason why I was very, very upset at Watford. I think Watford made also progress. They have an unusual squad for a mid-table team.

'They have a squad full of very good players who are not normal to be in these mid-table teams. They have a good coach. They have improved a lot from last season too.'

Mourinho makes his way through the station on his way to the platform

Pogba (right) walks down the platform with his personalised bag as Antonio Valencia follows

The United squad laugh among themselves as they wait for their train to arrive