Ralf Rangnick namechecked Nemanja Matic for his game-changing impact in Manchester United's draw with Atletico Madrid.
Matic emerged in the 67th minute along with full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles before the introduction of Anthony Elanga, who equalised with his first touch on 80 minutes.
Rangnick expressed his sorrow at the Ukraine conflict during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Watford game but there was some levity when he was asked about Anthony Elanga's chant.
Elanga, 19, gained the majority of the post-match coverage as United's youngest scorer in the Champions League knockout stage but Rangnick was impressed by Matic's impact in his first game in five weeks.
"Yes, I know and of course, everybody could hear them singing that song," Rangnick said. "Rhythm Is A Dancer, yes, I know that song. It's nice for the boy and it shows how creative our supporters are.
"But I also must say while all the headlines were quite logically in his favour it was not only him, I think. In the second-half, we changed the momentum, we regrouped the whole team, it was not only him but the other players and other substitutes, including Nemanja Matic, who helped to change the game."
Although Tottenham lost at Burnley on Wednesday night, Arsenal came from behind to secure an added-time victory over Wolves on Thursday to move to within a point of United in fourth place.
Arsenal have two games in hand, albeit away at Spurs and Chelsea, and will not play this weekend as their scheduled opponents Liverpool are in the Carabao Cup final.
Watford are second from bottom and were thumped 4-1 by Crystal Palace in midweek. After Saturday's game, United face Manchester City in the Etihad derby and then Tottenham at home.
"It's very important but this is the case with almost every game we have in the future," he added of the Watford fixture. "We have to keep the momentum, win tomorrow against Watford and be ready for the upcoming games against the top teams. We are fully aware we have to win tomorrow.
"For us, it only makes sense to take one game after another, now the job is to fully recover from the game the day before yesterday, play at the highest possible level tomorrow at home, hopefully win the game against Watford and then we have a normal week to prepare for the derby against Manchester City."
