The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, right, celebrates with Nemanja Matic after firing in the only goal of last night’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Managers exchange views on touchline as Herrera sees red for United
CHELSEA 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 0
Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho had to be separated as N’Golo Kante’s strike sent Chelsea into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last night.
Fourth official Mike Jones had to intervene as Conte and Mourinho had a frank touchline exchange during a feisty contest in which United had Ander Herrera sent off for two bookable offences after 35 minutes.
Kante’s second Chelsea goal six minutes into the second half secured a quarter-final win for the Premier League leaders, who won for a club record 13th successive home game.
Mourinho at first said he did not want to comment on the red card.
“I don’t speak. I just want to say that I’m really proud of my players, I’m really proud of Manchester United fans,” said the former Chelsea boss.
“We have a very important match on Thursday (in the Europa League) and I want to try to rest a little bit, to try to prepare the team the best we can for the Thursday match.”
When pressed further on the red card, Mourinho added: “I think we all watched the match until the red card and after the red card and then we can compare the decision of the two yellow cards in this case with other ones that were not given, but I don’t want to go in that direction.
“Mr Michael Oliver – a referee with fantastic potential.
“Manchester United were a bit unlucky. In four matches, three penalties and one red card in such an early moment of the game but again I cannot change that.”
Mourinho, who was taunted by home fans and responded by pointing to himself, then the pitch and holding up three fingers – the number of Premier League titles he won in two spells with the club – approached Oliver after the game but did not bring up the red card.
He said: “I shook his hand, I told him many congratulations. There is nothing to speak (about).”
Hopes of a double in Conte’s first season in charge remain alive.
David de Gea made fine saves in quick succession to deny Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill and a smash-and-grab raid for United appeared possible.
But Herrera was dismissed for two fouls on Eden Hazard following what looked like an edict to target the Belgium playmaker.
United players surrounded the referee to complain, but captain Chris Smalling had been warned seconds earlier about repeated fouls on Hazard after one by Phil Jones.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said: “It was a good performance against a very strong team.
“For me, United have the best squad in the league and we are very pleased to go into the next round and to beat a great opponent.