Internet Desk: Juan Mata netted a winner against Manchester City to take Manchester United through to the quarter finals of the English Football League Cup. In another match West Ham stunned Chelsea with a 2-1 margin.
It was a sweet revenge for Mourinho as his team was comprehensively beaten by Pep Guardiola’s side in last month’s Premier League derby. This was Mourinho’s third victory in 13 meetings with Pep.
“The players did everything and deserved to win. We are happy,” Mourinho said.
“In the last week everything went against us, but we are professionals. The fans felt deeply with such a negative result and today was a good chance to clear that feeling, because a derby knockout and to win gives everyone a better feeling.”
United will now meet West Ham who surprised Chelsea with a 2-1 win.
Mourinho made four changes to his squad which played against Chelsea few days back. Guardiola, in contrast, made nine changes, notably handing starts to youngsters Pablo Maffeo and Aleix Garcia.
Kelechi Iheanacho came close to giving City the lead in the second minute as his header just went over the crossbar. United were lucky not to be awarded a penalty against as Carrick caught Garcia near the touch line.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba both had an unimpressive first 45 minutes. Both teams went into the breather without scoring.
Pogba who missed a golden opportunity to give United the lead as his powerful long ranger beat City custodian Willy Caballero but hit the post.
Ibrahimovic made his presence felt with a neat cross from the left. Both Ander Herrera and Fernando collided at the near post only to find Juan Mata in the open, who made no mistake in giving United the lead in the 54th minute.
In another match West Ham pulled off the biggest shock of the round with victory over Chelsea in the first local derby at their new London Stadium.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made seven changes from his side’s win over United and saw his team fall behind to Cheikhou Kouyate’s superb 11th-minute header.
Edimilson Fernandes added a second early in the second half and although Gary Cahill reduced the arrears in stoppage time, after substitute Eden Hazard had hit the post, it came too late.
Southampton went past Sunderland at St Mary’s courtesy of a fine 20-yard curler from former Lille winger Sofiane Boufal. They will now meet Arsenal in the quarters.