Watford boss Marco Silva has acknowledged that the would like to "emulate" compatriot and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Since arriving in England in January, Silva has established himself as one of the most highly-regarded managers in the Premier League, with Everton having recently been trying to take the former Hull City chief to Goodison Park.

Silva goes head to head with fellow Portuguese Mourinho on Tuesday night when United travel to Vicarage Road, and Silva has admitted that he enjoys hearing comparisons made between himself and his opposite number.

The 40-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "Of course I'd like to emulate him. It is important and a good sign when somebody compares you with a good coach. It is better to be compared with a very good coach than the other way.

"For Portugal he is a very important coach with what he did in the last 15 years. It is really important for him and he has also shown the way for other Portuguese coaches.

"To reach his level I need to do my job. I need to improve every day."

Silva has recorded 14 wins and six draws from his 36 matches in English football.