THE PROUD ONE
Jose Mourinho emerged a proud man after his team’s defeat at Chelsea in the FA Cup for keeping league leaders Chelsea at bay despite having just 10 men. “I want to say that I’m really proud of my players, I’m really proud of Manchester United fans. We have a very important match on Thursday and I want to rest a little bit to try to prepare the team as best we can for the Thursday match and that’s the most important thing.”
THE NUMBER ONE
Jose Mourinho endured a tough night after being abused by the Chelsea faithful throughout the night. He was even called ‘Judas’ for apparently betraying the team. When asked about the chants in the post-match interview, Mourinho said, “They can call what they want, I am professional and I defend my club. Until the moment they have a manager that wins four Premier Leagues for them, I am the number one. When they have somebody that wins four Premier Leagues, I become number two. But until this moment Judas is number one.”
HERRERA SUSPENSION CLARIFICATION
Ander Herrera was sent off for the second time this season last night after being sent off before in the home league match against Burnley. The sending off means that he will be suspended for 2 matches. Herrera will hence miss the games against Middlesbrough and West Brom in the Premier League.
VALENCIA DELIGHT
Manchester United fans should be delighted with another powerful performances from Antonio Valencia. Deployed as a wing-back he snuffed out of the threats offered by Willian and Victor Moses effectively and was effective whenever United ventured forward. He again showed why he has been United’s most consistent player at the back this season.
RESERVE ACTION
Manchester United reserves played put an entertaining 3-3 draw against their Southampton counterparts at Old Trafford. They found themselves two goals adrift after securing a much needed victory against Everton last week. But the team showed character and grit as they clawed back form certain defeat and ensured that the points were shared. United though did lead 3-2 through two goals from Mitchel, both penalties, and another from Redmond before Saints’ Seager equalized from a penalty of their own.
BAKAYOKO UPDATE
Reported Manchester United transfer target Tiemoue Bakayoko has talked up the idea of joining Paris Saint-Germain. The AS Monaco midfielder is expected to be pursued by both United and Premier League leaders Chelsea this summer. “If the opportunity presents itself, I will not refuse a move to PSG. But I am only 22 and I feel very good at Monaco.” Bakayoko also described how he previously came close to joining the Paris outfit during his days as a youth prospect: “The opportunity to sign for PSG’s youth academy presented itself after Montrogue. But my dad and my brother chose Rennes, the best youth academy at the time. Not going to PSG hurt me, I even had tears in my eyes.”