Mourinho blast triggered Man United fightback
london — Jose Mourinho revealed his expletive-filled half-time rant inspired Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Mourinho’s side fought back from two goals down at Selhurst Park to snatch the points thanks to Nemanja Matic’s blistering longrange strike in stoppage-time.
United trailed to goals from Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt before Chris Smalling gave the visitors a lifeline.
Romelu Lukaku equalised with 14 minutes remaining, setting the stage for Serbia midfielder Matic to notch his first goal for United since his move from Chelsea last year.
Mourinho admitted he was furious with his players’ lethargic first half performance and he tore into them, while demanding they show more tactical discipline.
“I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be lots of bleeping on television,” Mourinho said. “There were a few strong words relating to their attitude and the intensity of the game.
“What I can say was all about the tactical positioning. That second goal was a goal to show kids in academies around the country, to show that top players can concede silly goals.
“David De Gea had to do better. He is the best, no doubt, but he had to do better. But the intensity and character was fantastic. We got a bit of luck in the last minute but it was deserved.
“The urgency in that last half hour was huge.”
It was the first time United had come from 2-0 down to win a Premier League game since December 2013 at Hull.
After hitting back from a goal down to beat Chelsea last weekend, Mourinho insisted this was another demonstration that United have the spirit and desire to overcome perilous predicaments.
“We were losing to Chelsea last week, then we were losing away from home against a Palace team that needs points,” he said.—