United exit not end of the world: Jose
JOSE Mourinho downplayed Manchester United’s shock Champions League loss to Sevilla by bringing up the last-16 exits he masterminded from the away dugout at Old Trafford.
Another disappointing performance was punished at Old Trafford by a 2-1 defeat as substitute Wissam Ben Yedder’s quickfire brace meant a late Romelu Lukaku goal was a mere consolation.
The Red Devils were booed off, but Mourinho remained philosophical — and found time to remind people of former glories.
“I told you that it would be a disappointment if we lost the match,” the United boss said.
“I don’t want to make a drama of it. We have a match on Saturday, we have no time to be sad. It’s not the end of the world.
“I’ve sat in this chair twice in the Champions League and knocked out Man United at home at Old Trafford. I sat in this chair with Porto, Man United out. I sat in this chair with Real Madrid, Man United out.
“So, I don’t think it is something new for the club and of course being United manager and losing a Champions League tie at home is a disappointment.”
Mourinho defended his side’s display and added: “I don’t think the performance was bad.”
The FA Cup is now the only silverware still up for grabs ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Brighton.
“I don’t have regrets,” he added. “I did my best, the players did their best. We tried, we lost.” Perspective: Jose Mourinho downplayed United’s defeat MARK Hughes says he’s excited by the challenge of keeping Southampton in the Premier League.
Hughes succeeds Mauricio Pellegrino, who was sacked on Monday evening after just nine months in charge with Saints languishing one point and one place above the relegation zone.
The Welshman has only eight games to secure Southampton’s top-flight status but is bullish about his prospects at a club where he made 60 appearances in his playing career between 1998 and 2000.
He said: “The objective clearly is to remain in the league and make sure we’re a Premier League club next year.
“It’s a challenge I’m excited by. It’s a great opportunity to come back to a club I know well and a club I’ve got real affinity with.”