Watford vs Manchester United - Quique Sanchez Flores falls for Premier League

Posted Sunday, November 22, 2015 by PA

Quique Sanchez Flores has revealed his love for the Premier League.

The Watford manager has so far impressed by swiftly moulding a team from a new-look squad and after 12 league fixtures leading them to 11th in the table.

He has far from guaranteed their participation in the same division next season but for a manager in his first job in England he has so far exceeded expectations - and like many before him has spoken of his affection for the culture surrounding English football.

Other respected European managers including Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez have made no secret of the enjoyment they took from the Premier League, Carlo Ancelotti has recently expressed a desire to return, and Arsene Wenger remains its longest-serving manager.

Sanchez Flores, whose Watford team host Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United on Saturday, added: "We (foreign managers) love this profession.

"If you love this profession, there are more things to love in England. That's why.

"It is completely different, I confirm. In what way? There is everything to love. You are able to love everything. The way we are talking now is amazing. You come to the press conference, it is good. Really. It is not the best day in the week - but it is good.

"There is a respect from you (the media) too. You can transmit information to each other - I want to know from you, you want to know from me."

One doubt ahead of the United game is striker Odion Ighalo who faces a fitness test after returning back to the club late following international duty with Nigeria.

Sebastian Prodl remains unavailable owing to a calf injury, as does Tommie Hoban (groin and hip injuries), Joel Ekstrand (knee) and Rene Gilmartin (knee).

Beyond those, Sanchez Flores has a fully-fit squad from which to choose, although problems could yet surface for Allan Nyom, should he be punished by the Cameroon Football Association for missing their recent World Cup qualifiers.

Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial will be missing for United but both could be back in action by next week.

United supporters were worried they would be without Martial for some time when he left Wembley on crutches following France's defeat to England with his left foot in a bandage.

The 19-year-old had to be substituted in the 67th minute because of the injury and was in "quite a bit of pain," according to France coach Didier Deschamps.

"It's not so heavy as everybody has written, but he cannot play against Watford," Lousi van Gall said of Martial.

Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick are also absent and Van Gall could turn to James Wilson or Memphis Depay to lead the attack against Watford.