Jose in fresh dig at Conte

to put thoughts to you, to move things the way they want.

“But for me it’s not important. Two teams are in sporting conflict. It’s not a friendly. Both teams want the three points and you both fight to try to win.

“I don’t like the tension on the touchline. I prefer to be focused on my team. But sometimes it can happen. It’s normal for me and other coaches to have this situation. But if you ask me if I like it or not – I don’t. I’d prefer to be focused on my team and the game, so I can find the right solution if my team is in difficulty. This is what Mourinho does.”

Mourinho, who accused Conte of trying to humiliate him after Chelsea’s 4-0 league win in October, has also suggested his former team play “defensive” football under the Italian.

Mourinho says he will feel no emotion as his side bid to avoid a hat-trick of defeats against Chelsea. He said: “You say that word emotion. For me, it is just a game. One more game. No difference for me, not at all.” Asked about Chelsea’s qualities, Mourinho said a key factor in their title charge has been the physical freshness of the squad because they have not had to play in Europe.

Chelsea have played 38 games compared to United’s 52. He also said their success is based on a counterattacking game based on a solid defence, the very tactics he used to such good effect when in charge of Chelsea in his first spell. “First of all, some guys are fresh, some guys are tired,” he said.

“That is very important in football. They are top of the league. It is not just because they are fresh. It’s also because they have individual and collective quality.

“They have a certain style of play, they stick to it, do it very well.

“Not every team defends with 11 and they defend with 11.

“Not every team is so objective in their counter attacks.”

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will not be fit to return until mid-May while Juan Mata will not be back until the end of May.