Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho cut a relieved figure after overseeing his side’s 2-1 triumph over Chelsea in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Portuguese tactician admitting that while he would have accepted a draw, his side deserved the win.
“I think we beat a fantastic team. For some reason, they were the champions last season. For some reason, they played the way they did against Barcelona,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
Chelsea started the tie the brighter of the sides, something Mourinho addressed in his post-match interview. The Special One’s former employers took the lead via Wilian in the 32nd minute but former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku would level proceedings with a scrappy goal seven minutes later.
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And substitute Jesse Lingard would complete the comeback in the 75th minute as he nodded in at the near-post after Lukaku excellently held up play and swung in an inviting cross for his teammate.
“For some reason, they started the game so well as they started here. We beat a very good team and to beat a very good team, you need to be organised but you also need to have a humble spirit where everybody works, everybody fights, everybody tries to follow a game plan. I repeat, we beat a very good team.”
There was still time for one final twist in the tale as Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata struck a late goal, only to see it ruled out incorrectly for offside as United held on for a vital win.
“I think everyone made a big effort. Could the result have been a draw? Yes it could. But I think in the second half we were more confident, we felt more confident with the defensive base and I think if somebody deserved a victory it was us. But, if you were to say a draw, I would accept that. The important thing for us is that we beat a fantastic team,” Mourinho added.
With the win at Old Trafford, United reclaimed second spot in the Premier League table and lead Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur by two and four points, respectively while fifth-placed Chelsea are trail the Red Devils by six points.
Runway leaders Manchester City are expected to clinch the league title, leaving the four teams to contend for the remaining three UEFA Champions League spots and a resurgent United will be backing themselves to make the top-four with 10 games left in the Premier League season.