Conte: We’re underdogs against United ...but that means nothing

ANTONIO CONTE claimed Chelsea will be FA Cup underdogs after setting up a glamour final with Manchester United. But Conte (right) reminded

United his side being favourites last season counted for nothing when they were stunned in the Wembley showpiece.

Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata scored

MARK HUGHES slammed officials for not using VAR for the “match-defining moment” against Chelsea.

Southampton saw a goal chalked off when they were 1-0 down after Blues keeper Willy Caballero juggled the ball over his own line under pressure from Charlie Austin (above).

Referee Martin Atkinson instantly awarded Chelsea a free-kick for a foul by Austin on Caballero with VAR official Michael Jones choosing not to intervene.

Saints boss Hughes (circle) was further frustrated after they failed to spot a possible Olivier Giroud handball.

He said: “There’s disappointment because the goalkeeper’s made a wrong decision, basically thrown the ball into the back of his net.

“If ever there was a situation for VAR to play a hand and step in to review that, I would have thought that was an opportunity. It FROM BACK PAGE the goals that saw off Southampton yesterday and put Chelsea into their second successive cup final.

They will be aiming to make amends against United and former Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho having lost to Arsenal 12 months ago.

“I think this final is a game between two great teams: Manchester United and Chelsea,” said Blues chief Conte.

“For sure, in my mind, I can tell you last season in the final we arrived as favourites against Arsenal.

“This season, we’re not favourites. But, as you know very well, we lost the was a match-defining moment – a key moment.

“Who knows how the game might have followed from that moment? Why it wasn’t referred, I’ve no idea.

“Giroud handled from the following corner, another they could have reviewed, but maybe that was a bit too quick for him. “We’re disappointed with the officials on the day and whoever it is who sits in a darkened room. We will speak [to the officials]. I’m not sure how the process works. Does the referee make an instant decision? Do they tell him?”

Hughes’ focus now turns to trying to keep Southampton up after their FA Cup dream died.

They are third-bottom, four points from safety with four games – against Bournemouth, Everton, Swansea and champions Manchester City – to play.

Hughes added: “If we acquit ourselves as well as we did in the last few games, I hope we’ll get the points we need.” final despite being favourites in my mind.”

Chelsea’s win over Saints set up a May 19 showdown between managers who had a bitter war of words this season.

Both will also be trying to avoid finishing the season empty-handed.

Conte said: “With Jose (above), we clarified the situation.

“There’s not a problem between him and I. We’re talking about two managers with strong characters, and two winners – when in your mind and your heart and your blood there is the will to win. I have great respect for United’s story, for Mourinho’s story.”