Manchester United managed to eke out a narrow victory over Hull City to set up the League Cup final against Southampton, who knocked Liverpool out in the other semi-final.
A second half goal by Paul Pogba helped the Red Devils proceed to the League Cup final, despite losing the match against Hull City 2-1. The first leg result went 2-0 in their favour, and now they face the Saints at Wembley on 26th February.
The final would have had a whole new twist if Southampton had lost out in the semi-finals though. Arch-rivals Liverpool lost 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-final, with manager Jurgen Klopp naming the wind as a decisive factor that went against them.
His nemesis Jose Mourinho brought this up during his post-match interview, taking a sly dig at his German counterpart.
“I don’t think we are favourites against nobody,” said Mourinho after the game, according to the Guardian.
“It doesn’t matter where we play, against who, we are never favourites, normally the stadium is windy and it’s difficult. I just want to say congratulations to my players. It was a difficult road to be in the final and we are in the final.”
The Portuguese manager also refused to be drawn into making a comment on a contentious penalty decision given against Manchester United by referee Jon Moss. This is understandable, considering that the Red Devils manager has already faced some harsh punishment for his altercations with referees in the past.
Manchester United had to rely on their dominant first leg performance to eke out a result against a determined Hull City. The Tigers hardly looked like a side battling relegation with a thin squad, as they snapped United’s 17-game winning streak.
Mourinho was also asked about his thoughts on the end of the streak. The Portuguese manager had a very snide reply to make in that respect, referencing the contentious first half penalty with as much subtlety as an elephant in a pub.
“I think 18 matches unbeaten is amazing. We didn’t lose,” he said.
“It was 1-1, 1-1. I only saw two goals. I saw [Paul] Pogba’s goal and their goal was fantastic goal, great action. Great cross, and the guy in far post coming, 1-1.”
Mourinho will now be hoping to win his first major trophy as Manchester United manager, having also won the Community Shield earlier in the season. He has already won the League Cup thrice with Chelsea, and will be hoping to win this one with his new team.
