Giggs: Man City Need Multiple Titles To Be Considered Best In History

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs insists Pep Guardiola's Manchester City must win multiple titles before they can be considered the best team in Premier League history.

City, who won their first piece of silverware under Guardiola with Sunday's Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal, are 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and in contention to eclipse Chelsea's record haul of 95 points in the 2004/05 campaign.

Guardiola's side have only lost one game out of 27 so far this season and their devastating performances have seen them mooted as the Premier League's best ever side.

Wales manager Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United during his playing career, believes they are capable of reaching that level - but only if they can achieve consistent success beyond the current campaign.

"I think everyone recognises the football that they're playing this year is high up there with some of the best we've seen in the Premier League era," said Giggs, who was speaking in his capacity as a Laureus ambassador ahead of the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards.

"But I think to compare them to ourselves, Arsenal and Chelsea, you have to win multiple titles. You have to be consistent, not just one wonder season, which they are having.

"The way that they play this year, they're capable of doing that. It's up to the other clubs, the likes of United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham to do better next year and to challenge and see how they handle that."

According to Giggs, the "real test" for City will be whether they can follow up this season's likely Premier League success with another title next year.

"It is difficult. We've just talked about the World Cup, which no one has defended since Brazil in '62. We felt that at United, there is that little bit of difference when you're coming up against teams that want to beat the champions - that pressure, it builds.

"Also for the players, you've got to ask them to climb that mountain again, and some can do it, some can't. It's a real test."

Giggs hopes Manchester United will mount a stronger title challenge next season and believes Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea all but guaranteed their place in the top four.

"Obviously it was a big win at the weekend, I think that more or less secured that top-four space," he said. "But it changes all the time. They've got Liverpool in a couple of weeks, that's a big game.

"They're looking good. If they secure top four, if they have a good run in the Champions League and win the FA Cup, it's a step forward again from last year.

"I think everyone recognises how difficult it is with City performing so well this year. I think you've got to do as well as you can this year, try and win a trophy, get in the Champions League and then build from that going into next year.

"Obviously every United fan will be hoping that we challenge for the league a little better than we did this year."

Giggs also came to the defence of Alexis Sanchez, who has only scored once in seven appearances since taking on Manchester United's famous number seven shirt following his arrival from Arsenal in January.

"He's a top player," said Giggs. "He's only scored one goal so far, so I'm sure he'd want to do better than that, but I think he's done okay.

"His team-mates are still trying to find out what he likes, what he doesn't like, the dynamics of the team. Sometimes it fits straight away, sometimes it takes a bit of time.

"I don't think anyone should be worried about Alexis Sanchez, he's a top, top player."

The Laureus 2018 World Sports Awards both celebrate sporting excellence and harness the power to sport to promote change.

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Kessie Dreams Of Joining Man United

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie says it is his dream to play in the Premier League for Manchester United.

The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international, who joined from Serie A rivals Atalanta in the summer on an initial two-year loan deal, has started all but one of Milan's 26 Serie games this season, scoring four goals and adding three assists.

Kessie will have a chance to show his talents to Premier League fans next month when AC Milan play Arsenal in the last 16 of the Europa League.

It is clear a future move to England is a prospect that appeals to him.

"I like the Premier League and in particular the Manchester United - a team I dream of playing in," Kessie told Tuttomercatoweb.

"Chelsea is also a great club, no one would refuse it, but I dream of United."

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Ref Watch With Dermot Gallagher : Man. United 2 Chelsea 1

Incident: Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen goes down with a head injury in the lead-up to Romelu Lukaku's equaliser at Old Trafford.

Dermot's verdict: Correct decision, the referee was duty bound to play on.

Dermot says: This proves that football is not an exact science and refereeing certainly is not in so much that if a player is down and the referee thinks he has a head injury, he will stop play. In that incident, the two players' heads clashed, the ball is knocked away, Christensen went down quickly and then chose to get up quickly. But by the time Martin Atkinson has looked round, he is already getting up and that sells in his [Atkinson's] mind that he does not have a head injury - he may well have, but in Martin's eyes, the fact the player has got up would tell him he has not and that is what you have to remember. He then carries on and I would admit, is out of position slightly, which is unfortunate and the game goes on. But I think the referee is duty bound to allow the game go on.

Incident: Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has a late equaliser ruled out for offside.

Dermot's verdict: Too close to call.

Dermot says: It was so, so tight, but what I would say is that it is not guaranteed to be a goal because irrespective of whether it was right or wrong, the referee blew before he shot the ball in the net. So it would not have been a goal, that is what you have to remember. Whether it was an incorrect offside decision is up for debate as I can't tell what part of his body is ahead, whether it is his arm, whether it is his chest… and I think VAR would have had a long time studying this one.

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Lukaku Suggests Premier League All-star Fixture

Romelu Lukaku has asked the Premier League to arrange an all-star game, similar to the one in the NBA.

The NBA's version takes place every February, with the league's best players facing off in a highly-anticipated exhibition match after being drafted by two players with the most votes.

Lukaku suggested on social media that the Premier League's format could involve a North XI pitted against a South XI.

The Manchester United striker took to Twitter on Monday night to pose the question to supporters: "Here's an idea for you guys... the NBA has an all-star game!


"Don't you guys think we should organise one in the Premier League. The north vs the south! And the fans vote... what do you guys think?"

Lukaku was involved in both goals for United's 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday and has since responded to critics, saying he deserves more respect for his goalscoring record.

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Chelsea And Manchester United Set To Battle For Robert Lewandowski

Chelsea and Manchester United will battle for the signature of striker Robert Lewandowski - if the player can persuade Bayern Munich to let him go.

Sky Sports News understands the Poland captain is keen to leave Bayern and his future could become clearer in the next fortnight.

Despite being under contract until 2021, he has hired super-agent Pini Zahavi to negotiate a deal to release him from the Bundesliga leaders.

But Zahavi faces an uphill challenge, with Bayern not short of funds and expected to resist any attempts to lure their prized goal scorer away.

The Premier League teams are likely to face stiff competition from Real Madrid - and PSG will also join the hunt if, as expected, Edinson Cavani leaves in the summer.

Since signing in July 2014, Lewandowski has scored 97 goals in 108 Bundesliga games for Bayern - and six in his last four games.

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Smalling: Win Over Chelsea Showed Our Intent

Chris Smalling has stated Manchester United are determined to qualify for the UEFA Champions League by consolidating second place in the Premier League, rather than merely ending up in the top four.

While a runners-up position will never be satisfactory at Old Trafford, the title looks out of bounds this campaign with Manchester City currently 13 points ahead with a game in hand.

With that in mind, Smalling believes the Reds should aim for second spot following Sunday’s important 2-1 win over current title holders Chelsea at Old Trafford, which opened up a six-point cushion over the fifth-placed Blues.

Antonio Conte’s side could have drawn level alongside United with victory, but goals from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard ensured United came from behind to secure a vital win that regained second place in the table.

Smalling believes the win over Chelsea sent a vital message and the defender is feeling confident ahead of the upcoming league matches against Crystal Palace and rivals Liverpool.

“It was a huge result and it shows our intent,” Chris told reporters after Sunday’s game. “Liverpool is going to be another big game and an atmosphere where we need to make sure we play like we did like in the second half [against Chelsea].

“With our home form and our home fans, we will be confident. A result like the Chelsea one definitely gives us confidence. Being able to beat a rival, it's almost like a six-pointer because of how close we are.”

The centre-back continued: “The confidence just breeds confidence and we're ready for the next one. We've been second for near enough the whole season, so we're within our rights to make sure we do finish in that position.

“All of us, especially that top five, are probably all going to there or thereabouts come the end of the season, so these are huge games and I think the fact we play a lot of our rivals at home is going to be a big factor because of our home form.

“If we can separate ourselves from Chelsea and Liverpool and work our way up then we can do that. That's our goal first and foremost. Obviously we've got a lot to play for and the fact that we can do it against our rivals lifts everybody. We're just eager to get to the next game, but we have to wait until Monday.”

Lukaku Embracing The Expectations At United

There are high expectations placed upon a Manchester United no.9 and Romelu Lukaku does not lose any sleep over them. Instead, he continues to do what he does best: scoring goals.

The 24 year old has hit double figures throughout his six successive seasons in England and Man of the Match performances like his goal-plus-assist contribution against former club Chelsea in Sunday’s 2-1 Old Trafford win will help towards the quest to convince any remaining doubters.

Equalising against the club he joined from Anderlecht in 2011 when he started in the Premier League was a satisfying moment for Lukaku, who plays in the spotlight that shines on every Reds striker.

Back in July, the headline-hogging striker transfer stories of the summer centred around the futures of Lukaku, then at Everton, and Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata. In the end, after weeks of intense speculation, Chelsea turned to Morata after United had snapped up their former Belgian hitman.

It was always going to become one of the campaign’s ongoing stories as the pair settled into new HQs. Who got the better deal? Lukaku went off like a train for United. Morata wasn’t far behind.

Chelsea’s buy arguably stole a march when he scored the winner against United at Stamford Bridge on 5 November in the Blues’ 1-0 win. However, Morata has only netted four times since (not once in 2018) and regular Chelsea observers will tell you he hasn’t played well from that moment either.

Meanwhile, in 2018, Lukaku has scored seven goals in 10 matches and his leveller against Chelsea was his 22nd in all competitions. Morata is trailing 10 goals behind and there were murmurings of discontent in the East Stand away section on Sunday as Morata struggled against United.

Lukaku, on the other hand, was brushing off the notion he didn’t score against the big teams with a powerful and influential display on Sunday. Not only did he score, but the Antwerp-born forward cutely set up Jesse Lingard’s winner and was a constant pain to Chelsea.

“That's the situation around me,” Lukaku explained afterwards. “I just need to keep working hard. I think I have got a nice record. I've scored a lot this season and I just want to keep going. I know that I can improve and I want to improve and really work hard. I want to win trophies.

“I'm 24 and I think I have a lot of years ahead of me to improve before my prime so I'm never satisfied. I always want to improve and get better and it's a nice challenge. I've been in the game for so long. I started playing when I was 16. Year in, year out people expect 20 goals from me. I've been doing it for 10 years straight so I think I've proved myself.

“You expect a bit more respect but it's the situation we're in. I don't listen to it. I just want to improve and show the people what I can do on the pitch. I'm playing for the biggest club in the world. It's something that I wanted, but it's not only that, I just want to win trophies.

“I think a lot of big players that we recognise today in the game are players who have won something and I want to be part of that group. The road is still far ahead, but I'm ambitious and I'll work every day for my team to win - I'm not thinking about myself.

“I'm happy for the team, that's the most important thing. I'm always happy as long as we win. That I scored and got an assist was good, but at the end of the day you need to keep improving week in, week out and try to get better.

“When I make a choice it's with my head and my heart. I made the right choice for me to join United. As you can see, I'm in a good situation. I'm with a manager and players who push me every day. The challenge is there to win and it's something that I wanted.”

United are likely to win more with Lukaku in the form he was in against Antonio Conte’s side.

The opinions in this story are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

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Mata: Chelsea Win Was A Great Feeling

Each and every Monday during the season, Manchester United ace Juan Mata pens a personal blog. This week, the Spanish maestro reflects on Sunday's impressive comeback victory over his former club Chelsea and looks ahead to our next game…

Hi everyone,

It’s just a few hours since I came home from Old Trafford after playing Chelsea, a game that is special and will always be special for me. It was an even game, very intense too, and we managed to win and to get three points that are very important for us. A victory at home is always more satisfying because as soon as you leave the dressing room you see everybody around, your fans… and they all have happy faces. It’s a great feeling, even more after a comeback against such a good team. We were able to recover despite Willian’s goal to get the three points that keep us in the second place of the table.

This win puts an end to a crucial week in which we also visited Sevilla in the last 16 round of the Champions League. The goalless draw will demand a great game from us at Old Trafford, as we already knew, if we want to get to the next round. With the support of our fans, I’m convinced that we will give everything to make it, even though Sevilla is a very talented team as we know. By the way, I take this opportunity to thank Sevilla’s supporters at the Sanchez Pizjuan for their treatment and applause when I was substituted. It was nice.

Anyway, we still have to wait a few days for the Champions League. Before that, we have the whole week to work well on the game against Crystal Palace that is scheduled for next Monday. They are in much need of points and for us this is the typical visit that shows the toughness of the Premier League. Selhurst Park is not an easy stadium to play at, and I’m sure it will be a difficult game for us. I keep good memories of my games against them, especially that final at Wembley that we managed to win after a comeback.

I wish you a great week.

Hugs,

Juan

Why Manchester United’s Win Over Chelsea Could Be A Turning point

With Paul Pogba restored to the starting line-up and Romelu Lukaku named man of the match, Manchester United's 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford was a triumph for Jose Mourinho. It could prove a turning point in the club's season, writes Adam Bate.

Romelu Lukaku had scored against fellow former clubs Everton and West Brom already this season, but his calm finish against Chelsea felt far more significant. It could prove a crucial moment in his Old Trafford career.

After scoring the equaliser, he also provided the assist for Jesse Lingard's winner and was noticeably invigorated by it - one late driving run epitomising his afternoon. Doubts over Lukaku have remained even as the goals have gone in this season, particularly given that, prior to Sunday, he had played 10 games against the top eight teams without scoring once.

Something had been missing but the hope now is that this can be the catalyst. Lukaku showed that he doesn't need lots of chances or lots of the ball to make the difference. Alvaro Morata has the pedigree of Champions League finals behind him but Lukaku was the striker on the pitch who people would have wanted in their team. He can build on this.

But Lukaku's display was just one of many reasons why this was a huge day for United. It is not just that the victory lifted them back above arch-rivals Liverpool and into second spot again. It also opened up a six-point gap to Chelsea in fifth and in doing so offered proof that Jose Mourinho's way can still win these big matches - something that has been a concern.

United did not even score in their games away to Liverpool, Tottenham or Chelsea. And while they did beat Tottenham at Old Trafford, the loss there to Manchester City was seen as more revealing. So when Willian opened the scoring by cutting through the United defence and blasting beyond David de Gea, the murmurs of discontent were palpable.

Even after the equaliser, the sight of Anthony Martial sauntering off when substituted in favour of Lingard was indicative of the approach. United were anything but reckless in turning this game around but turn it around they did. It was a controlled performance, the manner of it reassuring Mourinho that his methods work. Knowhow not gung-ho.

They will need to win big games like this and they will need to believe that this way works. There is not just a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium and the prospect of an FA Cup run to come, but also the Champions League second leg against Sevilla. Tougher tests ahead. The search for balance goes on but perhaps there are signs that they can find that too.

Scott McTominay's presence alongside Nemanja Matic with Paul Pogba ahead of them looks a lot more like the robust and powerful midfield trios for which Mourinho was once famous. After getting 73 minutes together in Seville in midweek, this was the first time that the three men had started a game alongside each other. It was encouraging.

Pogba's role in the United team has been a concern in big games, particularly when used in a midfield two, but this is a system that affords extra protection. There are still three attacking players ahead of Pogba so the threat remains, especially now that Martial has been restored to the left with Alexis Sanchez given freedom to get closer to Lukaku.

A long-term solution, perhaps? McTominay cannot expect to play every game just yet, of course - Mourinho has been clear about that. But beating the reigning Premier League champions will reassure many that this is a system that can succeed. If so, it could also help to lance the boil of the tension reportedly building between Pogba and Mourinho too.
The manager's Manchester United project is still in the balance. There is work to do to secure a top-four finish. The cups could go either way. But this was a big moment. A big match won. Pogba's role clarified. Lukaku playing a decisive role. It was all that Mourinho could have hoped for and could yet prove a turning point at this key phase of the season.

Credit: Skysports.com

The Lukaku Verdict

Jamie Carragher called it a "big game" in terms of his career, while Jose Mourinho hailed him as "fantastic" - we assess the verdict on Romelu Lukaku after he starred in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Chelsea.

After an inconsistent start to his Manchester United career, the Belgium international scored his first goal against a top-eight club this season with United's equaliser at Old Trafford after Willian had fired the dominant champions ahead.

Former Chelsea striker Lukaku then crossed for substitute Jesse Lingard to head in the winner for the hosts 15 minutes from time, to cap a man-of-the-match performance as United moved back into second place in the Premier League.

The pundits and Lukaku's manager later gave their views on the striker's showing and the response was overwhelmingly positive.....

Jamie Carragher

"It's a big result for Man Utd today, but it feels like an even bigger game for Lukaku, coming against a former club and having been questioned all season - and rightly so, sometimes a little bit harsh.

"Will that criticism ever go away? He'll have to consistently score in big games. It's not easy, and I'm not saying he would have to score every time.

"Psychologically you could see how unhappy he was when Geoff (Shreeves) was pushing him with questions about goals against the top six.

"But what he also does now, for the winning goal, I've always felt he's just a goalscorer, there isn't too much more to his play, he's not great at hold-up at times and he doesn't work the channels, but this just answers me and plenty of his critics - there is more to his game."

Graeme Souness

"I'm a fan. Forty games now, 22 goals, it's the hardest place to play football and the hardest position on the pitch - that and the goalkeeper. It's about how many games you play and how many goals you score.

"He does a great job. He's not playing in a team that's filled with cute and clever passers of the ball. A lot of them are crumbs he's feeding on. I think he's doing - not a great job - but a very good job in the team he's playing in.

"I think he's a handful. I think you can get in a race with him but you can't outmuscle him. Maybe out-think him occasionally, but I think he's a proper handful."

Jose Mourinho

"He played fantastically well. He had the same start as the team. The team didn't start well or confident, the same was for him. He was a little bit lost.

"But then he went with the team and he finished the game with the image of the team which gave everything to win an important match for us."

Credit: Skysports.com

Souness: Sanchez Was Absent During Man. United Win Over Chelsea

Graeme Souness criticised Alexis Sanchez following his performance for Manchester United against Chelsea on Super Sunday.

The Chilean signed for United last month from Arsenal after a long, drawn-out contract dispute.

Sanchez made an impact on his home debut for United, scoring in their win over Huddersfield, but he has failed to score in four subsequent games, including against Chelsea - a game United won 2-1 courtesy of a winning goal from Jesse Lingard.

Fluency going forward has been an issue for United and Souness admits he has not seen enough from United's new man to warrant the hoo-ha surrounding his capture.

"His career hasn't got going at United yet," Souness told Sky Sports.

"Every time I watch him, I think 'where are you' - when he was at Arsenal he was being the difference.

"Today he was absent, I can't think of a single thing he did in the game."

Credit: Skysports.com

Your Monday Briefing: 10 Key Points

Catch up on the essential news, views and statistics from Manchester United’s weekend via Your Monday Briefing, which on this occasion features 10 key points…

1: UNITED 2 CHELSEA 1
That was the score at Old Trafford, where the Reds fell behind to Willian’s goal before fighting back with finishes from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard that secured an important Premier League win. The result has lifted Jose Mourinho’s men back into second place - after temporarily slipping down to third due to Liverpool’s victory over West Ham on Saturday - while also building a six-point advantage over Antonio Conte’s reigning champions. There are now just 10 top-flight games left to play.

2: LUKAKU STOLE THE SHOW
Romelu notched his 22nd goal of the season in all competitions during the first half and supplied an excellent assist for Jesse’s headed winner after the break, which was enough to earn 73 per cent of votes in our Man-of-the-Match poll on Twitter. It was a near-perfect performance from the Belgian striker, whose impact on so-called big matches had been questioned ahead of kick-off against his former club.

Jose Mourinho praised him afterwards and, later, when asked about his own scoring record with the Reds, Lukaku told us: “It's not bad, but you can always improve. I want to do better for the team. At the end of the day, I'm at Manchester United and I want to win trophies.”

Impressively, Lukaku has now scored against his three former teams – Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea – during his increasingly prolific debut season with United.

3: LINGARD’S NEW CELEBRATION
The Academy graduate registered his 13th goal of the campaign in all competitions, by heading past Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois in front of the Stretford End, before revealing a new celebration with team-mate Paul Pogba that was a nod to the critically-acclaimed new Marvel film Black Panther.

4: RESPECT BETWEEN MANAGERS
Friday’s pre-match press conference was peppered with questions about the rivalry in the dugout, but Mourinho rose above it and instead pointed to the competition on the pitch. Maintaining that theme, Jose was quick to shake Conte’s hand before the game and even shared a joke with the Italian. Another handshake followed at full-time and the outing passed without incident.

5: ROONEY IN THE STAND
Wayne, the club’s all-time leading scorer, watched the big game from the Director’s Box with his young son Kai and TV cameras regularly panned to them throughout the action. It was a rest day for the now Everton forward, following the Toffees’ disappointing 1-0 defeat at Watford on Saturday.

6: SPONSORED BY YOUTUBE
Viewers of Sunday’s game will have noticed the club’s new channel on YouTube was branded all over the stadium, with a giant banner spread across the East Stand window, a circular flag laid on the centre-circle and adverts played on the digital boards around the pitch. Have you subscribed to it yet? It only launched on Thursday afternoon and, already, almost 400,000 fans have signed up.

7: DEBATE ON NATIONAL SERVICE
Scott McTominay enjoyed a week to remember after impressing against Sevilla and Chelsea, and on Saturday night, it was revealed Mourinho has advised the talented youngster on his international future due to the 21-year-old being eligible to represent England or Scotland. “I gave him my advice but I think the parents’ advice is more important than mine,” the manager explained.

8: UNDER-18S THRASHED EVERTON
The young Reds consolidated their place at the summit of the Premier League table with a resounding 4-1 victory over second-placed Everton at the Aon Training Complex. Mason Greenwood grabbed two of the goals with Largie Ramazani and James Garner also finding the net, inspiring MUTV pundit Arthur Albiston to describe it as the “best performance of the season” so far.

9: SEVILLA LOST AT HOME
Our UEFA Champions League last-16 opponents, who will visit Old Trafford on 13 March, suffered a surprisingly one-sided 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Impressively, Diego Simeone’s visitors were five goals up after strikes from Diego Costa, Antoine Griezmann (3) and Koke, before the hosts pulled two late finishes back through Pablo Sarabia and Nolito.

10: LOAN WATCH
Tim Fosu-Mensah made another start for Crystal Palace, our next opponents in the Premier League, but the young Dutchman could not prevent a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park, where the world’s in-form striker Harry Kane scored a winning goal with just minutes left to play.

Sam Johnstone started for Aston Villa in their 4-2 Championship win at Sheffield Wednesday, where Axel Tuanzebe did not feature, while James Wilson was not involved in Sheffield United’s 1-0 loss at Hull City. In Spain, Andreas Pereira did not feature for Valencia in their 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

In Scotland, Demetri Mitchell made his eighth Hearts appearance and was booked in a 2-0 loss to Rangers. But Matty Willock and Charlie Scott did not play for St Johnstone and Hamilton, respectively.

Lukaku Voted Man Of The Match

Romelu Lukaku has been voted Manchester United’s Man of the Match by fans on Twitter after inspiring the Reds to victory over his former club Chelsea.

The no.9 scored for the fourth successive home game with a fine finish to level matters after Willian’s opener for the visitors, before his pinpoint delivery was headed home by Jesse Lingard with 15 minutes remaining to secure three crucial points for United.

The Belgian claimed an overwhelming 73 per cent of the final vote with another ex-Chelsea player, midfielder Nemanja Matic, finishing second in the poll (17 per cent) while Scott McTominay (13 per cent) was the third nominee.

It’s the second successive weekend in which Lukaku has claimed the star-man award, after capping an influential display with a brace against Huddersfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

Speaking to MUTV immediately after the Chelsea game, the striker insisted the win wasn’t any more significant for him because it was against his old employers but he was certainly pleased to contribute to a key result for United.

“No, I’m just happy with the win for the team,” he said. “It was an important win for us I think. It was important for us to win and to get back into second position in the league so I'm just happy with the win.”

Lukaku now has 22 goals in 40 games across all competitions in what has been an impressive debut season so far for the 24-year-old, but he is keen to do more in order to help the Reds win silverware.

On his scoring ratio to date, he added: “It's not bad, but you can always improve. I want to do better for the team. At the end of the day, I'm at Manchester United and I want to win trophies. That's the most important thing.”

Six Views On United's Victory Over Chelsea

ManUtd.com has gathered a selection of post-match quotes from players, managers and fans following Manchester United’s impressive victory over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds came from behind to beat the Blues and move back into second place in the Premier League, as Man-of-the-Match poll winner Romelu Lukaku scored the equaliser and then set up the decisive goal for substitute Jesse Lingard in the 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford.

Mourinho, Lukaku, Chris Smalling and Scott McTominay all spoke to MUTV after the win and we have summarised their key points below.

Jose Mourinho: “I am delighted. I have to admit that they started better than us, but then we found our balance and even more than that – the players found the right spirit and the right attitude. I think we took a bit of time during the first half to adapt to a new position on the pitch – we played a little bit different to normal and for some players, it took some time to find the right timings to press and the right times to have the ball. In the second half, we improved our movement in attack and the full-backs got more confidence to come forward.”

Romelu Lukaku: “We realised that if we played a bit quicker between the lines, we would create space for ourselves and that's what we did. I was happy with the goal. [For the winning goal] I told him [Jesse Lingard] before the game that every time I go down the sides, he needs to make sure he gets in the box because I will find him. He did well with his run and it was a great finish. They [Chelsea] are in good shape and it's not easy but we showed our mental strength and in the second half we just dominated the game. Step by step we have to keep winning because we have a lot of difficult games coming up. We have to be prepared but the mental strength of our team is there and I think we're going to do well.”

Scott McTominay: “It’s obviously a third game in a week for me. I thought we all put a shift in for the team and it was a great win in the end. We came on strong in the second half and we looked the more dominant side and wanted to take the game to Chelsea. I thought we were in total control and it was brilliant to get the three points. When you go behind against any team, it’s not easy to come back – you have to dig deep and remain focused on what the game plan was. I thought we did well to respond so quickly and I thought it was a better performance from us in the second half.”

Chris Smalling: “I think it’s going to be a huge result. I think you could see on our faces at the end how much we wanted that and how much we celebrated that with the fans. In the second half, we upped our game, we had more aggression and the fans were right behind us because we lifted it. I think it shows massive character and I think in the first half we can be honest and say that it wasn’t good enough. We were probably lucky to go in at 1-1, but then in the second half, right from the start of the second half we showed that aggression, we were on the front foot and we really got after them.”

View from the opposition – Chelsea manager Antonio Conte: “We are disappointed with the final result. We had a great chance to get three points against a competitor for a place in the Champions League, but in the end we are talking about another defeat. When you have this type of situation, you have to manage the game better, and you must be able, with experience and maturity, to get three points.”

Mourinho: We Beat A Very Good Team

Jose Mourinho felt his Manchester United side beat “a very good team” as the Reds came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

After Willian had opened the scoring for the visitors, Romelu Lukaku found the net against his old employers with a fine finish before setting up substitute Jesse Lingard to head in what proved to be the winning goal as United reclaimed second place in the Premier League with a fourth successive home win.

It’s the second season in a row that the Reds have got the better of Mourinho’s former club Chelsea at the Theatre of Dreams, after the impressive 2-0 victory last term.

Here are the key points from the boss in his post-match interview with Sky Sports…

WE BEAT A VERY GOOD TEAM
“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. 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.”

IT WAS A TIGHT GAME
“They started very well, it's as simple as that. When Chelsea hit the posts, I was looking to my players and I was thinking 'what could we do?' or 'who can I blame?' but it was so beautifully played that I had nothing to say. They are a very good team - they have big routines of their football. They have a fantastic dynamic of the way they project the wing-backs. I was trying to find a way for my players to be dangerous in the interior football because through the sides Chelsea are very, very strong, so we found a way to play against them where we didn't concede much. I think we had a good control of Eden [Hazard], Willian, of course, is an amazing player and in that action [his goal] he killed us, but we took progression of the game, we had more and more control of the game without creating lots of chances because we didn't but they also didn't. That's the way I was expecting the game to be when I spoke with you before the game - a tight game.”

MCTOMINAY IS DOING FANTASTIC JOBS FOR US
“I think he's a fantastic player - a player that is what I call the modern midfield player, which in the end is a bit of what the top midfield players of the past were. They can do everything. The only thing he is not doing yet is scoring goals, which he can. But because I'm giving him different jobs, he's not yet free to do that. We are starting from the basics and the basics he's doing wonderfully well. I think he can also score goals - he has that talent. In pre-season, we understood that. But we are adapting him to his multi-functionality and he's doing fantastic jobs for us, like he did in Sevilla against Ever Banega and today against Eden, so I'm really happy with the player.”

A GREAT TEAM EFFORT
“I don't like to individualise - I think [Nemanja] Matic was phenomenal, I think [Paul] Pogba played a fantastic game in our midfield. I could speak about my central defenders too and the guys in attack - the mission Alexis had, to be the third attacking player but at the same time the fourth midfield player to try to cover the area in front of Scott. 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.”

Premier League: Man. United 2 Chelsea 1

Jesse Lingard’s penchant for the big occasion brilliantly tipped the balance for Manchester United against title-holders Chelsea as the Reds reclaimed second place in the Premier League table.


United's no.14 headed in the 75th-minute winner at Old Trafford, connecting with a cross by Romelu Lukaku who had earlier cancelled out the Blues' opener by Willian to square the match at 1-1 for half-time. It was a masterstroke by Jose Mourinho to bring on Lingard, the scorer of FA Cup and EFL Cup final goals for the club, and the susbtitute had the scent for glory again only 12 minutes after coming on.

The Reds were in danger of allowing Antonio Conte’s side to draw level in the table and tighten up the battle for the coveted top four berths. But instead the stubborn Reds refused to fold after going a goal down and ultimately restored the longstanding state of play in the league.

Both sides had returned to Champions League football in midweek following the Euro winter break with United playing in Spain against Sevilla 24 hours after Chelsea had drawn with the might of Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Conte’s team looked initially like they’d had the longer preparation time and less travelling as they dominated possession and it was a struggle for the Reds to get into the match.

There was an early scare after just four minutes when Alvaro Morata hit David de Gea’s crossbar with a volley from Alonso’s cross. De Gea, who was the sensational hero on Wednesday night in United’s 0-0 draw in the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, was then needed to tip over Eden Hazard’s effort as the Belgian followed up Alvaro’s miss.

It continued to be a slog but just as the Reds finally managed to claw a way back into the match, the Premier League champions ruthlessly hit United the break. A 31st-minute attack by the hosts was broken up and Willian stormed from the edge of his own area to take the ball forward. The Brazilian swiftly fed Hazard before racing on for the return and sliding his right-footed shot past De Gea.

United were finding it hard to have an impact on the game in the penalty area but Mourinho's men stuck it out and got the reward. There were only crumbs to be had but Romelu Lukaku snaffled his opportunity up.

The Belgian forward was dogged in his bid to keep a 39th-minute chance alive. His hold-up play eventually brought Nemanja Matic into the action and the Serbian slipped the ball to Alexis. The Chilean's pass to Anthony Martial was forwarded to Lukaku and the striker finished off the move with a calm effort against his old club.

It was the 100th Old Trafford goal under the management of Jose Mourinho and Lukaku’s fourth strike in February. It couldn’t have been more timely and raised the spirits after a difficult first 45 minutes.

Despite the lift of that equaliser the pattern in the second half remained much the same with Chelsea looking the more dangerous side. The Reds needed to contain the Hazard and Willian threat but the latter went on a punishing 49th-minute run that ended with Morata’s shot being blocked.

There was a heart in the mouth moment when De Gea spilled a Danny Drinkwater long-range drive but United cleared the loose ball. After 63 minutes Mourinho made his first substitution. It hadn’t been a productive afternoon for Martial and he was taken off for Lingard.

The Reds started to look brighter and goalscorer Lukaku almost spectacularly put United in front after 67 minutes. He acrobatically volleyed a left-footed effort at the Stretford End that needed a glove from Thibaut Courtois to tip over to foil the Belgian.

Mourinho’s first substitution paid off and Lukaku was again influential in the moment that put the Reds in front after 75 minutes. He floated in a perfect clipped cross over the head of defender Andreas Christensen to meet the run of Lingard who’d ghosted in to steer his header home.

It was a superb comeback from the Reds that will be a huge boost going forward in the “amazing” month ahead predicted by Mourinho.

THE LINE-UPS

United: De Gea; Valencia (c), Lindelof, Smalling, Young; McTominay, Matic, Pogba; Alexis (Bailly 81), Lukaku, Martial (Lingard 64). Subs not used: J Pereira, Shaw, Carrick, Mata, Rashford.

Booked: Valencia, Matic.

Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; Moses (Giroud 78), Drinkwater (Fabregas 81), Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Hazard (Pedro 73). Subs not used: Caballero, Cahill, Zappacosta, Emerson.

Booked: Kante, Morata.

TALKING POINTS

McTominay earns his spurs
Scott McTominay was given the Ander Herrera role of keeping tabs on Chelsea’s mercurial playmaker Eden Hazard. No easy task for even the most experienced of man markers. The Belgian was lively but 21-year-old McTominay repaid the faith shown in him by Jose Mourinho and never allowed Hazard to rule the roost and the fact Conte took his no.10 off the pitch after 73 minutes said it all.

Lukaku is an all-round striker
He scores the goals but United’s £75m hitman is also a perfect foil up front. The powerhouse bosses defenders and holds the ball up superbly. Having scored the Reds' equaliser he proved he is no mean provider either as it was his service that added the assist to his match stats for Lingard’s goal. It was in contrast to Chelsea’s own big summer purchase Alvaro Morata who appeared to test the patience of the travelling support as he failed to make an impression.

United hold off Chelsea’s top-four challenge
After earlier weekend wins for Spurs and Liverpool, the battle for Champions League places had become even more intense. Had Chelsea won at Old Trafford they’d have drawn level on 56 points with United and the heat would have been on. But the Reds' victory meant second place was taken back from Liverpool and the Blues are now at arm's length with a six-point cushion.

Willian Will Put Mourinho Friendship On Hold For Manchester United Clash

Willian will put his warmth and respect for Jose Mourinho on hold for Chelsea’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

Mourinho brought Willian to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2013 and the pair won a domestic cup double together the following season, before Mourinho left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of 2015.

The Blues trail United by three points ahead of their Old Trafford showdown, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Willian will put his affection for Mourinho to one side as Chelsea aim to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

"I had great memories with him [Mourinho]," the Brazilian told Sky Sports.

"He was a great, great manager for me, and I think not only for me - also for Chelsea for the fans.

"But now I am still at Chelsea and he is in Manchester and I have to look to my side. Of course, we are friends but when you go onto the pitch you have to do your job.

"It's a massive game on Sunday and we are looking forward to it. We expect, of course, a difficult game. To play there is not easy. We know that and I think we now have to stay at the same level we played at when we played Barcelona."

Credit: Skysports.com

Manchester United's style Has Been 'Choked' Since Alexis Sanchez Arrival

Charlie Nicholas claims the formula for success at Manchester United has been "choked" since the signing of Alexis Sanchez, with Romelu Lukaku struggling as a result of the January purchase.

Lukaku has failed to score against any of the current top eight teams in the Premier League and faces his former club Chelsea and Old Trafford this Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

The Belgian striker has developed a reputation as a flat-track bully, scoring 21 goals this season but failing to find the target in recent away visits to Sevilla, Newcastle, Tottenham and Burnley.

Lukaku is yet to show signs of a long-lasting understanding with Sanchez while Jesse Lingard's form across winter has also dipped with the midfielder dropped to the bench in the midweek Champions League stalemate in Andalusia.

Speaking on The Debate, Nicholas questioned how Lukaku is viewed by his team-mates heading into a crucial clash against the defending Premier League champions.

"He has pace and power and I always liked him when I watched him at Everton," he said. "I don't think the pressure of being at Manchester United is a problem for him. But it's as if they don't quite trust him.

"Jose Mourinho always plays him because he's their best out ball. All of a sudden, the formula has choked since Sanchez went there.

"If I'm playing with Lukaku, I get the ball into him early. He's got all the assets, so keep him involved. He goes cold because he hardly gets the service. The style doesn't benefit him for me."

Mourinho is set to keep his faith in the 24-year-old this weekend despite the option of being able to Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford or Sanchez through the middle.

Nicholas believes Lukaku could benefit from Juan Mata starting more games, with the Spaniard capable of providing the creativity seen from Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the early part of the season.

The former Arsenal and Celtic forward added: "If United played Mata, someone who is a little cleverer, he can provide the balls through. All of a sudden, the formula has choked a bit since Sanchez went there and they've tinkered with things.

"When you look back at Everton and Belgium, that power when he runs into the area and he turns on the left foot and runs at you, defenders hate it. That's when he was at his best. It's just too slow and too predictable for him."

Credit: Skysports.com

Conte Keen To End War Of Words With Mourinho

Antonio Conte is keen to put an end to his war of words with Jose Mourinho ahead of Chelsea taking on Manchester United.

The two managers will see their sides go head to head on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and Conte is focused solely on the task ahead.

Conte and Mourinho have clashed several times over the course of the campaign, exchanging steadily more provocative words as part of an ongoing public feud.

Ahead of the showdown at Old Trafford, Conte believes it is time to draw a line under the episode and look only ahead.

"I'm not interested in this topic. Both said something in the past, but we stop," said Conte.

"For me, the situation has stopped."

Like Conte, Mourinho is also eager to concentrate on the football and put personal issues aside.

"I told you before I'm not going to speak about it. Not at all," Mourinho told the media on Friday.

"That's not the point. Very good manager, fantastic team and that's what is important for me. Just that."

With Chelsea three points behind United in fourth place, Conte has admitted the scale of significance the fixture could hold with regards Champions League qualification.

"This is a massive game. A game to try and find a place in the Champions League," Conte added.

"An important game for us, and an important game for them.

"We have to try and play and try and get three points. To try and finish the game with a good result."

Credit: Skysports.com

Conte Laments Matic's Manchester United Move

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says it is "unfortunate" that Nemanja Matic is now a Manchester United player.

Matic played a key role in the Blues' Premier League title success last season before being allowed to complete a £40m move to rivals United in the summer.

Chelsea will be reunited with their former midfielder when they visit Old Trafford on Nissan Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League, and Conte has expressed his regret at the Serbia international's departure from Stamford Bridge.

"About this player I can talk only really well because he played with us last season," said Conte.

"I think he was one of the key players in winning the title.

"Now Matic, unfortunately, is playing for Manchester United. I wish for him the best. Not on Sunday, but in the future."

Matic was a regular for Chelsea last year, making 35 league appearances and also helping the London club to the FA Cup final.

Conte said last summer that selling the player was a "big loss" for the champions, and asked why Matic was allowed to join a potential title rival, the Italian replied: "In the past we have already managed this topic.

"I don't want to come back and speak about the past because I think it's not important, not interesting for us."

Credit: Skysports.com

Why United Have The Edge Over Chelsea

It’s second v fourth on Sunday as Manchester United host Chelsea in what remains one of the biggest fixtures in the Premier League calendar.

The Reds produced arguably our finest performance of 2016/17 to defeat the champions-elect 2-0 at Old Trafford in April, through goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera, who will unfortunately be sidelined this weekend.

And while only three points separate the sides right now, premierleague.com statistics suggest Jose Mourinho’s men have the edge over Antonio Conte’s Blues…

THE HEADLINE STATS
At the most basic level we have more points (56 to 53), scored more goals (51 to 49) and conceded fewer (19 to 23) than Chelsea. At home we've netted 29 goals and conceded five, while away Chelsea have scored 25 and conceded 13. And while the west London outfit once boasted a strong record at Old Trafford, they have in fact only one won of their last seven league games here, and scored only one goal in their last four visits.

DE GEA’S THE TOP DOG
"He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and it’s not possible for a team to be successful without a fantastic goalkeeper," Jose told MUTV on Friday. We’re all of the opinion that David De Gea is the best stopper in the league, if not the world – his display against Sevilla in midweek underlined that. But how does he compare to Thibaut Courtois, another pretender to that crown? Well, the Spaniard has kept a league-high 15 clean sheets to Courtois’ 13 and made 87 saves to the Belgian’s 52. Our no.1 has proved he can turn defence into attack, too, producing 202 accurate long balls to Courtois’ 136.

SMALLING AND JONES AT THE BACK?
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have more than played their part when chosen as United’s centre-back pairing in the league this season. Looking at the key defensive statistics, Chris has won 69 aerial battles and Phil 53, comfortably more than Chelsea’s Gary Cahill (50) and Antonio Rudiger (47). Meanwhile, Jones has made an impressive 121 clearances and Smalling 111, with Chelsea’s Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on 73 and 72 respectively.

MIDFIELD MUSCLE
The battle between former Blues midfielder Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante could be a key factor in deciding the outcome on Sunday, and most of the stats are in our man’s favour. Matic has made 51 interceptions to Kante’s 49, made 1,901 passes (Kante’s on 1,541) and dwarfs his vaunted rival when it comes to aerial battles won (47 to 14). The Serbian is also ahead on clearances (46 to 20) and duels won (147 to 133).

RED ROM OUTGUNS MORATA
Romelu Lukaku is United’s leading marksman this season with 21 goals in all competitions (12 in the league) and Mourinho insisted on Friday he has no worries about him in the big games. "Twenty-one goals is not bad at all and I don't analyse the players' performances the same way you do," he told reporters. "I have other points of analysis and I'm happy with Romelu's performances, even when he doesn't score goals." Chelsea’s focal point in attack, Alvaro Morata, has 10 league goals to his name this term, but none so far in 2018. And Red Rom’s in the ascendency in other areas, too: shots (71 to 61), shots on target (33 to 27), passes (571 to 424), big chances created (5 to 3) and crosses (25 to 16). That illustrates Jose’s point pretty well!

Jose: The Next Few Weeks Will Be Amazing

Jose Mourinho is looking forward to what the next few weeks at Old Trafford hold in story for Manchester United, with a series of huge games coming to the Theatre of Dreams.

In this short space of time, the Reds will play two massive Premier League matches rivals against Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Sevilla and the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton and Hove Albion.

“I think the next few weeks at Old Trafford will be amazing,” Jose told MUTV’s Helen Evans. “Two big matches against two direct rivals in the Premier League, two knockout matches that, if things go well, can leave us in the quarter-final of the Champions League and the semi-final of the FA Cup.

“Sometimes we have periods with three, four consecutive away matches but this time we have four matches at home, with Crystal Palace away in between, but four big matches at Old Trafford.”

The boss also admitted to MUTV that he cannot believe how quickly the season is going and how cup competition success can congest the match schedule. United’s current schedule contains 12 matches, including the final 10 Premier League matches, and that total could potentially rise to 19.

“Time flies,” Mourinho laughed at the Aon Training Complex on Friday. “It feels like two days ago that we were in Los Angeles for pre-season and now we’re almost in March. March, April and May can be really busy and going far in the FA Cup creates you problems. We now play Brighton when we were supposed to play West Ham and we don’t know when we’ll play West Ham. If we play the semi-final of the FA Cup, I don’t know when that will be so it can be really busy and complicated.”

Matic: Lukaku Will Do Big Things At Manchester United

Nemanja Matic has backed Romelu Lukaku to achieve big things for Manchester United ahead of his side's Super Sunday clash against Chelsea.

Lukaku moved to Old Trafford for £75m and made a blistering start to his United career, scoring seven goals in his first seen Premier League games.

Since then he has managed just five goals in 19 matches and has failed to score against any of the Premier League's top eight this season, however, Matic has backed the Belgium international, who heads into the game at Old Trafford on 97 Premier League goals, to succeed at United.

"Romelu is a great striker," the United midfielder told Sky Sports.

"For a young player it's not an easy situation because everyone expects you to score in every game. It is not easy to deal with that expectation but as he's shown already he's doing well.

"Mentally he's strong and I'm sure he will continue to score goals.

"He's still young and can improve more and I'm sure he will do big things for Manchester United."

Another player setting into life at Old Trafford is Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile international has scored once and added two assists in six starts for United since arriving in January as part of a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move to Arsenal, but Matic is delighted to have him as a team-mate.

"Alexis is working really hard," Matic added.

"We are happy to have him in the team because in these kind of games a player with that quality can decide the game.

"I'm sure he will be very important for us on Sunday and for the rest of the season. I am happy he is a team-mate."

Second-placed United head into Sunday's clash three points ahead of Chelsea in fourth place and Matic, who moved from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, is looking forward to the game against his former club.

Matic said: "I was there [at Chelsea] for three-and-a half years and I gave my best for that club and now I'm at Manchester United. I will play against them and I will give my best for United.

"We are all excited because these are games we all like to play. We like to compare our qualities with good teams.

"Chelsea have good players for sure and it's always good when you play against good teams. I am really looking forward to it.

"I expect an open game because we want to win, they want to win for sure and it will be very interesting for the supporters."

Credit: Skysports.com

Gary Neville: Rashford Situation At Man. United Is Normal

Gary Neville says it is normal for a young player like Marcus Rashford to come in and out of the Manchester United side and insists he is still firmly in Jose Mourinho's plans.

Having played a part in every United game this season up until Alexis Sanchez's arrival, Rashford has started just one of the six games since, prompting concerns about his role in the side.

But Neville, speaking on the Soccer Saturday Super 6 Facebook Live, insists the 20-year-old's fluctuation in and out of the side is nothing new for young players, and remains optimistic about the Englishman's future at Old Trafford.

Neville said: "No [It's not a concern]. I think he's had a lot of playing time this season, he's had a lot of minutes on the pitch and up until a few games ago had taken part in every match.

"When you're a young player coming into the team, ultimately you're not all of a sudden going to play every game for the rest of your career. Ryan Giggs did that, but that's an exception.

"When I came into the squad, or David Beckham, or John O'Shea, Wes Brown - there are periods where you are in the side for 10 or so matches, in a great run of form, then you dip a bit, then you are out of the team, then you come back in.

"You have that rest, you experience the game from the touchline, you have that period. In my point of view it's not unusual for any young forward or winger to be in and out of the team, it's absolutely usual. It's what I would have expected.

"If I thought he wasn't in the manager's plans, or wasn't in the frame or in favour, I'd be worried then, but I think Jose Mourinho has proven that he likes Marcus Rashford.

"But just at the moment, with Alexis Sanchez signing, with Anthony Martial doing quite well recently, he has just fallen behind those two slightly."

Since arriving from Arsenal in the January transfer window, Chilean Sanchez has played out wide for United, with Romelu Lukaku remaining in a central role.

Neville believes that Belgian striker Lukaku, who has scored 21 goals in his debut season at United, may be sacrificed to trial Sanchez in a more central role, which could give Rashford an opportunity out wide.

"My views at the moment is that the one person who is under some pressure is Romelu Lukaku, in terms of his form, and also that Sanchez could go up front, because I'm not sure he's suited to the right. That may allow Marcus to come back into the team.

"I think Lukaku has done well this season, but I think there comes a point whereby if both he and Alexis Sanchez are not performing to their best, which they are not at the moment, you'd think Sanchez will be moved up top and Lukaku may come out of the team for a few matches.

"It's not because he's a bad player, but he could come out of the team, freshen up, see the game differently, and then come back in when others have had a go."

Credit: Skysports.com

Conte: Pogba Must Be Managed In The 'Right Way'

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says Paul Pogba is a "fantastic" player and his Manchester United coaches need to "find the right way to manage him".

Pogba's form was recently criticised by his manager Jose Mourinho, who also denied reports their relationship has become strained while defending the position in which he plays the midfielder.

Pogba was not in the startling eleven against Huddersfield and Sevilla after being hauled off against Newcastle the week before, but Mourinho has praised the Frenchman's professionalism in handling the situation.

Conte managed Pogba at Juventus and the pair won two Serie A titles together, as they prepare to clash when the Blues travel to United live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday.

"We are talking about a fantastic player. My expectation is to see him on the pitch," Conte said.

"Every coach has to find the right way to manage him. Pogba is showing at United he is a top player."

Conte and Mourinho's have aimed several barbs at each other during the season and they failed to shake hands at the end of Chelsea's 1-0 win over United at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign.

Mourinho has indicated he is willing to bury the hatchet and Conte said: "In the past both said things. For me it's ok. I'm not interested to speak about this topic."

However, the Italian refused to confirm whether he would shake his counterpart's hand, instead insisting: "I'm not interested in this."

Credit: Skysports.com

Winterburn: Mourinho Still Figuring Out Alexis Sanchez's Role At Man. United

Jose Mourinho still has not figured out how best to use Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United, believes former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn.

The Chile forward has scored once and added two assists in six starts for United since arriving in January as part of a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.

United have not scored in three of those games, losing at Tottenham and Newcastle before drawing 0-0 against Sevilla on Thursday, with Mourinho deploying Sanchez primarily on the left of United's attack.

Anthony Martial had previously staked his claim for that role but he has not scored since netting the winner in a 1-0 victory away at Burnley in the game prior to Sanchez's arrival, as he has struggled to adapt to playing on the right.

Winterburn believes Sanchez would be best utilised at United in a central attacking role where he can offer more support to Romelu Lukaku.

"He will make his mark eventually at Manchester United that is for sure," Winterburn told Premier League Daily.

"I actually believe personally that this season Sanchez has not been at the same high level that he was at last season. He has just had a slight [dip] in form.

"He has now moved to a new club. How will Manchester United use Sanchez best within the dynamics of their set-up?

"I just wonder eventually whether Sanchez will come in and play off the central striker in Lukaku. I could see that working very, very well for them.

"Then you can use Martial or Rashford down one of your wings as well. I think that might start to excite some of the Manchester United supporters. It is a way of getting another creative player into your team.

"He is going to be a huge success but it is going to take him a little bit of time to settle in to the different styles of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho."

United face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, with Lukaku looking to get on the scoresheet against a team in the top eight for the first time this season. So far, the Belgian has failed to score in ten games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Burnley and Leicester.

In six games against teams in the top six this season, Lukaku has failed to register a shot on target. In 20 games against teams outside the top six, the Belgian has had 33 shots on target.

But Winterburn believes Mourinho's conservative tactics against better teams are partly to blame and says Lukaku needs more support from his team-mates.

"I would love to know how many chances Manchester United are creating against the bottom half of the Premier League and how many chances Lukaku gets," Winterburn said.

"And again against the top half of the league, again the same thing - how many chances are United creating and how many is Lukaku getting?

"Because we know Jose Mourinho sets up slightly differently against the top teams and you are going to have less chances to score anyway.

"Rather than looking at Lukaku and wondering what he is not doing, you have to look at whether it is the team set-up around him. Is he becoming detached in the position that he is playing?

"But if you don't score against the big teams you are always going to get that question mark around you."

Credit: Skysports.com

McTominay Out To Repay Jose Faith

Scott McTominay was determined to repay Jose Mourinho’s faith in him after being selected as a surprise starter for Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Sevilla on Wednesday night.

Mourinho caused a stir by leaving United's record, £93.25m signing Paul Pogba out of his starting line-up in favour of McTominay for the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.

It was only the ninth time McTominay has started for United, and second in the Champions League, but the 21-year-old put in a mature display by pressing effectively and being efficient with his passing.


"Obviously it's so important for me to repay the manager whenever he puts trust in me in these games," McTominay said.

"And I thought the whole team tonight put in a real shift for the manager and I think going back to Old Trafford we're in a good position.

"I wouldn't say the best position because we didn't win, but we're in a good position because we can go back and fight for every ball and hopefully we can progress to the quarter-finals.

"It's all to play for. At 0-0, anything can happen. We're confident against any team we play. Hopefully we go back to Old Trafford and we can go through there."

Mourinho has gone on record saying he plans to buy at least one central midfielder this summer to replace the retiring Michael Carrick. He could look for a second if Marouane Fellaini, who is in the final year of his deal, decides not to sign the contract offer United have on the table.

But McTominay's emergence could also factor into Mourinho's thinking when making decisions on his squad for next season.

The United boss lauded McTominay after Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round win at Huddersfield and was again quick to praise the player after Wednesday's match in Spain.

Mourinho said: "I went to the press conference and the questions were about Paul and I think the question should be about the kid [McTominay].

"He was fantastic, he did everything well. He put lots of pressure on Banega to stop him as a playmaker. He was always comfortable. I think he was brilliant."

McTominay admits he had some pre-game nerves but says he quickly settled into the game despite the partisan home crowd at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"Big nights, big occasions," McTominay said. "That's what you want in your career.

"They're the things that make or break you as a footballer and I feel like it is how you deal with those situations that define you as a player and as a character on the pitch.

"Obviously nerves are only natural. It is how you deal with those nerves and it is how you put that on a football pitch.

"Once you're out there, you just forget about it. It is a game of football on a pitch that you've played on before, so, you just take it from there, want to play your game and that is it."

Credit: Skysports.com

Why David De Gea Has Changed My Mind

I've always thought it's a generational thing. We usually hold players from our youth in higher esteem than those in later life.

Maybe we're just more impressionable and look up to them with greater reverence or, perhaps simply, we employ rose-tinted glasses when remembering the past.

Certainly, I've always been in the camp that believes Diego Maradona to be the greatest footballer that ever lived - those older than me might nominate George Best or Pele. The current generation would argue the case of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, and it's hard to refute the statistics that back this up. Yet I'd still plump for Maradona, who I saw play England at Wembley when I was a child and he was only a teenager. His achievements with Napoli and Argentina were just something else.

Similarly, I never thought I would see a better Manchester United goalkeeper than Peter Schmeichel. Yes, Edwin van der Sar brought an elegant excellence and composure but the Dane was on another level for me. I remember being excited by his signing, which appeared to drag out for several months, and would nominate his performances in winning Euro 92 for his country as one of the most influential tournament contributions, while not quite matching Maradona's World Cup feat in 1986.

Schmeichel was a colossus for United. I know he made mistakes over the years but these were extremely rare and pale into insignificance when recalling the aura he had about him, providing that constant assurance that everything would be okay at the back. Hundreds of memories flood to the front of my mind - I remember a midweek display at Everton when he saved a penalty and was outstanding, the pivotal 1-0 win at Newcastle United in 1996, even the fact he fought so gamely to keep out one of the goals in the painful 5-0 hammering by the Magpies later that same year.

I was in Austria for his best-ever save - at Rapid Vienna - and thought I'd always tell the grandchildren about this superb Scandinavian shot-stopper who was the best I've ever seen. Last night's Champions League tie has done something I never guessed would happen. It's changed my mind - and I can be quite stubborn when it comes to things like this.

De Gea evoked the exact feeling that Schmeichel used to do as Sevilla piled on the pressure before half-time. The sheer belief that any situation is saveable, when you have that split second in your mind to process what is happening and think 'it's a goal' - and yet it's not, because our super Spaniard is still able to intervene.

Schmeichel used to stand big in one-on-ones, do his star jumps from his handball background, and look impenetrable. De Gea has less presence but more agility and, quite frankly, the stop from Luis Muriel appeared to defy the laws of physics as the ball hurtled goalwards from close range. His all-round game, consistency and unflappable nature has totally won me over.

I backed him when he arrived as a skinny Spaniard from Atletico Madrid, and the knives were out after an unconvincing start, because of his lofty reputation and the fact the raw attributes were there. But I never thought I'd say he was the best Manchester United goalkeeper I'd ever seen. Yet that is the accolade I can now give him and I wonder if other supporters, even those who remember Schmeichel in his pomp, are in agreement.

The opinions in this story are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com

Message For United Supporters

Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea, Manchester United would like to remind all supporters of its commitment to ensuring that Old Trafford continues to be a welcoming environment to all people and will take action against any offensive or discriminatory behaviour.

The club strives to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion throughout, so that Old Trafford is free from all forms of discrimination. In 2016, the club launched its own equality programme, #allredallequal, which encompasses all the hard work done by the club, players, staff and supporters within this essential area.

The club continues to work closely with organisations such as Kick It Out, Stonewall, Level Playing Field, MUDSA and many more groups as Manchester United looks to be at the forefront of equality.

The initiative showcases best practice in all aspects of equality and everybody in the Manchester United family has an important part to play.

If you are witness to, or subject of any discriminatory language or behaviour at Old Trafford, then please speak to your nearest steward. Alternatively, supporters can text HELP to 60442 followed by the stand, row and seat of the offender and the nature of the problem.

Credit: Manutd.com

Jose's Press Conference Round-up

Jose Mourinho addressed the media on Friday afternoon ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The boss discussed a range of topics from facing his former club to the professionalism of Paul Pogba and his faith in Scott McTominay.

Read the main points from his press conference below...

ALWAYS A BIG GAME
"For the past 10-15 years, Manchester United versus Chelsea are big matches. This is one more - different circumstances because many times these were matches for the title and this time I think us and them would agree that's not the case. But we both play for the top four and it's a big game regardless of what's at stake. Last season, they were fighting to be champions and we were not even fighting to be in the top four but it was still a big game."

JUST ANOTHER GAME FOR JOSE
"To play against Chelsea means less and less and less over the years, so of course I left already a couple of years ago and next season three years ago and the year later four years ago. So, I hope step by step that feeling of 'I was the Chelsea manager' or 'I was their manager' for them disappears. The real meaning of it is that it's two of the best teams in England and two of the biggest clubs playing one more match."

INJURY UPDATE
"Ander [Herrera] is out, I don't know the final diagnosis but I know he'll be out for a few weeks. I don't know how many is few - two, three, four, five, six weeks - I don't know, but a few weeks for sure. Coming back from injury - nobody else."

POSITIVE GAME FOR PAUL
"You saw the game against Sevilla - I think it's always more difficult to come from the bench than to start. A player when he's starting the game has a different kind of preparation for it and it's easier to be on the bench and to come on even without warming up minute 15, minute 20, and to get into the pace of the game is not easy. I think he [Paul Pogba] had a very positive game for us and sometimes details are details but sometimes players on the bench take five minutes to be ready to play. They don't have shinpads, they don't have the strapping, they don't have a shirt, they don't have this, they don't have that. He took 10 seconds to be ready to come to the pitch, which showed the professionalism that in spite of being on the pitch that he was ready to play and help the team which he did."

PLEASED WITH ROM'S GOALS RETURN
"Twenty-one goals is not bad at all and I don't analyse the players' performances the same way you [journalists] do. I have other points of analysis and I'm happy with Romelu's performances, even when he doesn't score goals."

TRUSTING IN McTOMINAY
"I think I don't give trust for free. I think it's the other way around. I don't think it's about the manager trusting the player. I think it's the player making the manager trust him. It's as simple as that. Sometimes it looks like we have to give everything to the players and the players have to give nothing back to us. I don't think that way. I think the confidence and the trust that I show towards Scott, he's earned it since day one since he came to the first team training sessions step by step. Of course with a lot to learn, of course with a long way to go, even now after - I would say - eight starts, something like that. He is a lot to learn, but since the first moment, he was earning that with his way to perform and of course he will have bad matches and make mistakes, of course he will be on the bench, of course he will not be selected. But I know that when I want him to play, I know the kind of mentality, I know the player that I am developing, I know the qualities that are going to make him a really good player. I know what he's really good at, I know where he has to improve and I think he's going to be a really good player."

Injury News From Jose: United v Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Ander Herrera is definitely unavailable for Manchester United’s highly anticipated Premier League match against rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

The Spain international picked up an injury in the early stages of the first half during Wednesday night’s Champions League last-16 first leg at Sevilla’s Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The severity of Herrera’s problem is yet to be determined and, as such, the manager does not know long the central midfielder will be sidelined, but he will not feature at Old Trafford this weekend.

"Ander is out," Mourinho said in his press conference. "I don't know the final diagnosis but I know he'll be out for a few weeks. I don't know how many is a few - two, three, four, five, six weeks - I don't know, but a few weeks, for sure. Coming back from injury - nobody else." No other players will return from injury against Chelsea, according to Jose, which means Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are both still unfit for action, as well as Marouane Fellaini and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

THE LATEST ON PAUL POGBA

The France international was named on the bench against Sevilla, before he replaced the injured Herrera after just 14 minutes. Mourinho was asked about the player during the press conference on Friday.

"I think he responded in a very professional way, both times he was on the bench," Jose told reporters at the Aon Training Complex. "He was on the bench against Huddersfield in the Premier League and he responded in a professional way. He was on the bench in Seville and he did the same." On the same subject, the boss also said: "You saw the game against Sevilla - I think it's always more difficult to come from the bench than to start. A player when he's starting the game has a different kind of preparation for it and to come on even without warming up, in minute 15, or minute 20, and to get into the pace of the game is not easy.

"I think he had a very positive game for us and sometimes, details are details, but sometimes players on the bench take five minutes to be ready to play. They don't have shinpads, they don't have the strapping, they don't have a shirt. He took 10 seconds to be ready to come to the pitch, which showed the professionalism that he was ready to play and help the team, which he did."

Matic: We Can Do Big Things

Nemanja Matic feels Manchester United are making all the right steps forward to achieve "big things together", but the midfielder insists the Reds are always looking to improve.

The Serbian international has been one of United's most consistent performers since joining in the summer from Sunday's opponents Chelsea.

A steady and assured midfielder, and an excellent reader of the game, Matic has slotted seamlessly into the Reds' engine room, with Matic revealing also that, off the pitch, he and his family felt settled in Manchester almost immediately.

In an exclusive interview with the official matchday programme, United Review, Matic spoke of his pride at being a Red and he has every confidence that only positive achievements lie ahead for the squad this season and beyond.

"I think that we have improved," he insisted. "Of course, in the Premier League, it is difficult to win every game, but I think step by step we have improved and in the future I believe, as a team, we can do big things together.

"I’m happy to be with the team and how we are working together. I’m sure we can do something this season and in the future for sure."

Matic admits to having "extra motivation" at the prospect of facing his former club at Old Trafford this weekend, with both sides vying for an advantage in the battle for a top-four place.

The Reds produced one of the best performances of last season in the corresponding fixture against Chelsea in 2016/17 and, while Jose Mourinho's men have had impressive spells during the current campaign, Matic believes the best is yet to come.

"Yes, of course [I believe that]," he stated. "We have to be honest and say we have had some very good games, but we have also had some bad games. We have to improve together. We have the Champions League and the FA Cup still to play for.

"To win the league is going to be very hard as we know because the gap is very big, but we have to fight until the end and we will see what we can do."

What Now For Rashford?

Manchester United's clash with Chelsea on Sunday marks the second anniversary of Marcus Rashford's spectacular debut - but the forward is not expected to be in the starting line-up. Adam Bate examines Rashford's form and wonders what’s next for the youngster...

It has been an extraordinary two years for Marcus Rashford since the night he scored twice on his Manchester United debut against FC Midtjylland. He scored two more against Arsenal that weekend and there has barely been time to catch his breath since, with trophies lifted and England caps won.

Rashford has played in 68 of United's last 77 Premier League games - more than any other outfield player.

As recently as October, there were supporters booing Jose Mourinho's decision to replace Rashford with Anthony Martial with the game goalless against Tottenham. But the Frenchman proceeded to score the winner and the mood shifted quickly. Rashford has not started any of United's last seven Premier League games since the draw with Burnley on Boxing Day.

Perhaps a dip was inevitable. Rashford is still only 20. But this was supposed to be the season that saw him kick on. Mourinho was emphatic about that in the summer. He spoke of a young player who had grown both emotionally and physically - three centimetres to be precise. He talked of how Rashford had added muscle but retained his formidable pace.

"Last season everyone was saying it would be difficult for me to play Marcus but he was one of the top in appearances for the team," said the United boss. "He's learning a lot, a great professional, great attitude. Last season he was not scoring goals and missing a lot of chances, which was not a drama, because that's part of the evolution.

"We know he is going to score more goals than last season."

Unfortunately, Rashford's issues have been even more apparent this term. He has found the net only four times in the Premier League with his minutes-per-goal ratio and conversion rate deteriorating year on year. In part, that can be explained by him being used on the wing but Mourinho certainly seemed unimpressed after the FA Cup tie against Derby.

It was the comments directed at Antonio Conte that took the headlines that evening but when asked to reflect on Jesse Lingard's display it was telling that Mourinho chose instead to contrast the match-winner's efforts with those of the misfiring Rashford. He even brought Romelu Lukaku on at half-time, so unsure was he of the youngster's finishing touch.

"He is the opposite of Marcus," said Mourinho of Lingard. "Marcus, in training he scores unbelievable goals, he comes into matches and misses unbelievable chances, and hits the post, and the goalkeeper saves … My feeling was that Rashford is not going to score a goal and because of that I am not going to lose time and I am going to play Romelu."

Rashford has played only 39 minutes of Premier League football since then with a slight muscle injury keeping him out of the United squad of late. He did get the chance to play as a striker against Yeovil in the subsequent round of the FA Cup and duly scored, but he is unlikely to convince Mourinho any time soon that he can outscore Lukaku in that role.

With Alexis Sanchez's arrival pushing him further down the manager's list in the wide positions too, flexibility is Rashford's best hope of game time. But is it really his best hope of fulfilling his potential? Former Manchester United midfielder Gordon Strachan is not so sure. "His problem is that he can play in a few positions," Strachan told Sky Sports.

"At this moment he doesn't know what he's best at. At Manchester United at the moment with Jose, he likes that big powerful striker up front to hold it up. I don't know if Marcus is that type of player. Can he play off the left and right? He certainly can. Can he play at number 10? I don't know. At that point you've got to find where your best position is."

So what next for a player who remains 12/1 on with the bookmakers to make England's World Cup squad this summer? The hope will be that a much-needed rest could reinvigorate him. Things can change quickly and with Manchester United still competing in three competitions, there will surely be opportunities for Rashford to rediscover his form.

The huge game against Chelsea on Sunday is a fixture that underlines what he is capable of at his best. It was in this corresponding contest back in April that he was drafted in as a surprise replacement for the benched Zlatan Ibrahimovic and soon scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win, delivering a man of the match performance as a central striker.

Rashford was electric that day, punishing Chelsea on the counter-attack. Too hot for David Luiz to handle, even shrugging off N'Golo Kante. He harassed defenders, dispossessed them and then dribbled past them. "He has been outstanding," Gary Neville told Sky Sports. "The Chelsea back three, who have been fantastic all season, have been torn apart all day."

Mourinho agreed. "He played fantastically well," he said. "He is faster than their defenders and he can get behind them. We knew playing this way would be very difficult for them." Those principles still apply, of course. But Mourinho is unlikely to turn to Rashford this time. It's been some two years. But there is work to do to ensure the next two are even better.

Credit: Skysports.com

Five questions for Jose Mourinho ahead of Super Sunday

Manchester United held Sevilla to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but the game raised questions for Jose Mourinho ahead of their Super Sunday meeting with Chelsea.

United were on the back foot for long periods at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with David De Gea making fine saves from Steven N'Zonzi and Luis Muriel before the break.

But did Paul Pogba show the defensive discipline Mourinho demands? Is Scott McTominay ready to face Chelsea? And do Manchester United have a creativity problem? We take a look.

Did Pogba take his chance?

Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that his relationship with Pogba has become strained recently, but he did little to dispel that notion in his pre-match interview on Wednesday. "Paul created some doubts by not playing on Saturday, by his own decision, because he was not feeling good," he said of the Frenchman's absence against Huddersfield.


The United boss responded by leaving Pogba on the bench at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, but Ander Herrera's early injury ensured he did not have to wait long for his opportunity, jogging onto the pitch in the 17th minute as his team-mate trudged down the tunnel.

Mourinho's issues with Pogba's recent performances have centred on a lack of defensive discipline, but he will take encouragement from his contribution against Sevilla. Pogba was arguably United's best player with the ball, making nearly twice as many passes in the opposition half as anyone else, but it was also notable that he did not stray too far forward.

In fact, Pogba only had a single touch in Sevilla's box. Instead, he was defensively switched on and clearly mindful not to leave too much space between himself and his midfield partners. By the end, only Scott McTominay and Ashley Young had won possession more times. "He did a good job," said Mourinho afterwards.

Is Scott McTominay ready for Chelsea?

Herrera's injury deprives Mourinho of another midfield option for Sunday's game after Marouane Fellaini so he will be grateful for McTominay's assured performance against Sevilla. In difficult circumstances and on by far the most of his high-profile of his nine Manchester United starts, the academy graduate impressed.

McTominay was assigned to stay tight to Sevilla playmaker Ever Banega. It was not easy but he stuck to the task resolutely, hustling and harrying the Argentine and frequently snuffing out danger. Mourinho used the words "fantastic" and "brilliant" to describe his defensive performance and he did well with the ball too.

The 21-year-old was neat and tidy, completing more than 90 per cent of his passes - just as he did in his recent Premier League starts against Huddersfield and Bournemouth. On this evidence, Mourinho needn't hesitate to throw him in against Eden Hazard et al on Sunday.

Where's the creativity?

United's defensive resilience delighted Mourinho but should he worried by a lack of creativity? They rarely looked like notching an away goal against Sevilla, with Romelu Lukaku's wild volley from Alexis Sanchez's chipped pass their only notable scoring chance. Over the course of the 90 minutes, they only mustered one shot on target.

That may not seem too surprising given their priority was simply to avoid defeat, but it continues a recent trend. In their last five games in all competitions, against Sevilla, Huddersfield (twice), Newcastle and Tottenham, Mourinho's men have only managed 11 shots on target. They must find a way to buck the trend against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Time to unleash Martial, Rashford?

Mourinho opted to start with Juan Mata over Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford against Sevilla, but it will surely be necessary to take a more aggressive approach against Chelsea. United's attack lacked pace and penetration against Sevilla and the duo on the substitute's bench are surely the best men to provide it.

They are unlikely to start simultaneously after Sanchez's arrival at the club, but Martial in particular can feel aggrieved by recent omissions. The 22-year-old struggled no more than anyone else in the defeats to Tottenham and Newcastle, but with nine goals and four assists in just 1282 Premier League minutes this season, he has shown how effective he can be.

Lindelof still struggling?

Victor Lindelof has endured a difficult debut season since his arrival from Benfica in the summer, losing his place in the team after some unconvincing early performances, but injuries to Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have opened the door to him again recently.

The Swede helped United keep a clean sheet in his preferred centre-back role against Huddersfield on Saturday, and he was part of another shut-out against Sevilla. He will take heart from the back-to-back clean sheets, but his communication mix-up with De Gea in the first half suggests there is still an underlying nervousness to his game.

If Jones does not recover in time for Sunday, Chelsea will present his toughest test yet.

Credit: Skysports.com