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Jose Mourinho claims “midfielders could not have played better” as Manchester United win derby

By Ollie Slack

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Jose Mourinho was defiant in defending Manchester United’s midfielders first-half display at the Etihad on Saturday. Claiming, “Matic, Herrera, Pogba, could not play better”, despite trailing 2-0 at the break.

Manchester United were down 2-0 at halftime against Manchester City. In one of the worst halves of football this season, the Manchester Derby looked all but over.

Jose Mourinho set up with Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba in a midfield three. Herrera had a solid half; the only player pressing City high. But there were major gaps throughout the pitch as the hosts scored two quick goals.

However, a Paul Pogba inspired comeback meant United miraculously won the match 3-2. But Jose Mourinho was quick to squash opinions of a lacklustre first half display by the Frenchman and his peers: “It was important for the players to keep confident. Matic, Herrera, Pogba they had the ball, they moved the ball (well).

“We had more of the ball than a team normally does against Manchester City. Credit to the boys because they believed and they kept the shape.

“I told at halftime, my midfielder players cannot play better than they were. It is difficult to play against them (Manchester City) because they press high and compact and their transition is really strong.

Mourinho was pleased for Paul Pogba especially

When Mourinho was questioned further on the turbulent week that the £89 million-pound Paul Pogba had had, he replied by saying he was very pleased for him.

Mourinho also clarified why United struggled to settle in the first half.

“I told my players, Matic, Herrera and Pogba could not improve, a lot, at from what they did in the first-half. They have confidence to play to move to play passes between the lines. I was asking more from my central defenders to play with the ball because they were shaky from their feet. I needed more from my wingers to come inside and give solutions to my midfield players.
“I told my players, Matic, Herrera and Pogba could not improve, a lot, at from what they did in the first-half. They have confidence to play to move to play passes between the lines. I was asking more from my central defenders to play with the ball because they were shaky from their feet. I needed more from my wingers to come inside and give solutions to my midfield players. /

Pep Guardiola tried stirring the pot prior to the derby claiming Mino Raiola (Pogba’s agent) had offered Paul Pogba to Manchester City in January. Mourinho reacted superbly. After making a smart remark to close the interview, it was the Portuguese manager who had the last laugh.

“If it is true if that his agent offered him to some clubs, well his price has gone up!”

[Sky Sports]

Next: From 2-0 down to win 3-2, what changed in the 2nd half vs City?

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