Man Utd 3 Southampton 2

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho conceded his side had been fortunate to beat Southampton in the EFL Cup final, but any sympathy for the Saints was outweighed by the sheer relief of winning his first trophy for the Old Trafford club.

Match-winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic delivered with two goals in the final, including the winner, and the 3-2 victory at Wembley Stadium not only brought Mourinho level on four League Cup victories with Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough, but made him the club’s first manager to win a major trophy in his first season in charge.

Success looked in doubt throughout much of a second half dominated by Southampton after Manolo Gabbiadini’s second goal had made the score 2-2 after Ibrahimovic’s free kick and Jesse Lingard’s finish had given United what should have been a commanding lead.

Against the run of play Ibrahimovic’s second, in the 87th minute, proved decisive and Mourinho said: “First of all, the man that just left the table (Southampton manager Claude Puel) has a reason to be really sad and disappointed.

“His team did fantastic work, deserved extra time, and to lose in the 87th minute gives very little time to try to react.

“It’s a bit unfair for them. They gave us a beautiful final, a beautiful match.

“I’m obviously very happy with the victory, with the fact I have won it four times, the same as Mr Clough, and with a chance to win for a fifth time.

“The game was broken at 2-2. We were lucky to be 2-0 up. Then 2-1

“I put a lot of pressure on myself, you put a lot of pressure on me”

changed completely the direction of the game. The 2-2 – a phenomenal goal. Technically it’s such a difficult shot. Then the game was broken.”

Despite looking glum, Mourinho reiterated: “I am very happy. I always try to put myself in the secondary position – it’s important for the supporters, the club, the players – but it’s also important for me.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself, you put a lot of pressure on me. I wanted very much to win a major trophy at every club.