NO CLASS, JOSE, BUT WHAT A VICTORY!
MANCHESTER UNITED completed a dramatic comeback to stun Juventus here last night only for Jose Mourinho to spark another post-match storm. The United manager upset Juve fans after his team snatched an amazing 2-1 victory in the Allianz Stadium. The former Inter Milan coach insisted he was responding to taunts from the Italian fans when he cupped his hands to his ears, bringing an angry response from Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci. Mourinho had to be escorted off the pitch and former United legend Paul Scholes, on BT Sport, said: ‘You need to win with a bit of class. I don’t think there is any need for all that but it’s just the way he is.’ Mourinho tried to justify his reaction though, claiming it was perfectly fine after the abuse he suffered from Juve fans throughout the game. He insisted: ‘I didn’t offend anyone at the end, I just made a gesture that I wanted to hear them louder. ‘I probably shouldn’t have done it, and with a cool head I wouldn’t have done it. ‘But with my family insulted, including my Inter family, I
reacted like this.’ Mourinho had said before the game that he would not respond to the Juve fans again after brandishing three fingers at them during United’s defeat at Old Trafford a fortnight ago to represent the Treble he won with Inter in 2010. ‘Before I said that I would not do it, but then I did,’ he added. ‘You remember what they did to me, but that sign is not an offence.’ Former United star Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed Juve but United came back to hand the Italian champions their first defeat of the season with two late goals. Juan Mata struck an excellent free-kick and Alex Sandro then scored in his own goal as a free-kick from Ashley Young caused chaos at the far post. Mata celebrated a momentous win, saying: ‘What a nice last five minutes. I have confidence in my free-kicks at the moment. I train a lot.’ Mourinho added: ‘On a beautiful Italian day, I made a little thing. I know millions are happy with the win. But I respect Juventus and the quality they have. ‘I am really proud of my boys because they did everything. ‘We had to come and not feel inferior. We were in a situation where we thought we needed to go to the last second of the match. ‘Juventus have phenomenal players. That Cristiano Ronaldo goal was beautiful and the player (Bonucci)
that made that beautiful pass, is a central defender! They are a fantastic team with an amazing record at home.’ Paul Pogba emerged a winner on his return to Turin and said: ‘I celebrated for the goal. It was strange, it touched a lot of people.’ If United beat Young Boys at home in their next game and Valencia do not beat Juventus, then Mourinho’s side will qualify for the knockout stage from Group H.