Jose pleased with win; admits cutting down on ‘PS football’
AFTER destroying CSKA Moscow in their own stadium, Jose Mourinho proclaimed that Manchester United had returned to the levels of European performance they had once been accustomed to – and admitted his side had cut down on their propensity for “PlayStation football”.
“The last appearances of Manchester United were not the best,” Mourinho reflected after an emphatic 4-1 victory that propelled them within striking distance of the Champions League knockout stages.
“It was not a very good record and after a season away from the competition we came back with a strong performance. Nobody was speaking about the players who were not here.”
He added: “We are almost there. There was not so much PlayStation football tonight, just a little bit of relaxation. That is normal.”
The last time Manchester United were in Moscow, two years ago under Louis van Gaal, they produced a laboured 1-1 draw against CSKA in a season that saw them exit the Champions League at the group stage.
This was a very different display and Mourinho, who was missing Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini, praised the performances of those who had been on the fringes of his Premier League side – the likes of Anthony Martial, Ander Herrera and Victor Lindelof.
Mourinho’s decision to sign a footballer he had allowed to leave while manager of Chelsea has paid rich dividends.
These were Lukaku’s ninth and 10th goals for United. “Lukaku has a great record but he is surrounded by quality players,” said Mourinho. “But I have to admit he is scoring really important goals in nearly every game.”
Much as Mourinho tried hard not to sound triumphalist he could not resist a swipe at Liverpool who had been less impressive in their 1-1 draw in Moscow, against Spartak. “They play Tuesday and then they play Sunday. We, however, played yesterday and then also play tomorrow.”
That, however, is against Crystal Palace, a team who could give CSKA Moscow a lesson when it comes to abject football. – The Independent