Mourinho impressed by fringe stars
MANCHESTER United boss Jose Mourinho praised his side’s application after their 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Swansea.
Three days after blaming his players’ attitude for defeat at Huddersfield, the Portuguese hailed a much-improved performance as Jesse Lingard’s first brace for the club sealed a place in the quarter-finals.
It was just what United needed after the shock of their first Premier League defeat of the season.
“Since the first minute we felt like we were in the game, we were pressing high, we were comfortable on the pitch,” Mourinho said.
“It was good. We were solid, we were comfortable, we were in control. We were really comfortable, our attitude was very good. I’m really happy. We had no injuries so it was a good day for us.”
In a bid to keep his squad fit, Mourinho made seven changes for the tie, with only Lingard, Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial remaining from the side shocked on Saturday, and the 54-year-old was particularly pleased with the performances of 19-year-old defender Axel Tuanzebe and 20-year-old midfielder Scott McTominay.
“I think they both did well,” he said. “I’d say Scott probably very well because he was really comfortable and strong in midfield.
“Axel I think he started a little bit shaky but then he got stability and had also a good performance.”