EFL Cup Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2017.01.26
EFL Cup Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2017.01.26
AGG
(0-2)
Hull City Vs Manchester United
AGG
(0-2)
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..::Football IV::..
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Hull City Starting Line-up
David Marshall
Michael Dawson
Harry Maguire
Josh Tymon
David Meyler
Tom Huddlestone
Samuel Clucas
Shaun Maloney
Jarrod Bowen
Oumar Niasse
Adama Diomande
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
David De Gea
Chris Smalling
Phil Jones
Marcos Rojo
Matteo Darmian
Paul Pogba
Michael Carrick
Ander Herrera
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Marcus Rashford
Jesse Lingard
Hull City 2-1 Manchester United (agg 2-3): Mourinho's men edge their way into EFL Cup final
Paul Pogba's goal booked Manchester United's place in the EFL Cup final despite Jose Mourinho's side suffering a 2-1 defeat to Hull City on Thursday, United progressing 3-2 on aggregate.Hull had not scored in four matches against United but Tom Huddlestone put the hosts in front from the penalty spot late in the first half.
The midfielder scored his first goal of the season as he beat David de Gea from 12 yards after a foul had been given against United defender Marcos Rojo from a Hull corner.
Hull had the better of the match, but the world's most expensive footballer proved the difference, Pogba finding the bottom corner after neat build-up play created a clear sight of goal, although Oumar Niasse set up a grandstand finish with a late goal.
Only once in 27 attempts had a side come back from a first-leg deficit of two or more goals to progress through the EFL Cup semi-finals and Hull could not add to the record despite valiant efforts, with Old Trafford goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini decisive.
It proved to be a nervous 54th birthday for Mourinho, but United will face Southampton - who beat Liverpool 2-0 over two legs - in the final at Wembley on February 26 as the Portuguese hunts his first major silverware at the club.
With a two-goal deficit to overturn, Hull needed a bright start and they got one, with Harry Maguire blasting a volley over the crossbar and Sam Clucas hitting a powerful free-kick at David De Gea.
After 25 minutes, to mark his squad number, Hull fans showed their support for Ryan Mason, who is recovering from a fractured skull suffered in a clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill on Sunday.
De Gea was then tested again as Niasse, on his first Hull start, lashed a drive straight at the United goalkeeper, before Shaun Maloney bent a free-kick over the crossbar.The game was in desperate need of a goal and it got one after 35 minutes as Hull took the lead.
Rojo fouled Maguire from a set-piece and Huddlestone stepped up to beat De Gea into his bottom-right corner.Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost provided the perfect response for United but David Marshall tipped his placed effort around the post.
United had lost four of their last five away League Cup matches against Premier League opposition and the visitors saw three strong penalty claims rejected after half-time when Pogba, Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford went down in the box in quick succession.
Hull were stop United fighting back into the match and Pogba effectively settled the tie after 65 minutes.Ibrahimovic freed Rashford in the left channel and in tackling the striker, Huddlestone diverted the ball straight to Pogba, the France international slotting home his seventh goal of the season.Rojo almost added to United's aggregate lead but he headed Jesse Lingard's corner against the crossbar, then Niasse was also denied by the woodwork with a header.
United's new record goalscorer Wayne Rooney came on as a late substitute but, with five minutes to play, Niasse tapped in David Meyler's low cross to retake the lead on the night for Hull.
The goal changed little, though, and Mourinho's men held on, despite Hull's late pressure, to move into the EFL Cup final.
Paul Pogba's goal booked Manchester United's place in the EFL Cup final despite Jose Mourinho's side suffering a 2-1 defeat to Hull City on Thursday, United progressing 3-2 on aggregate.Hull had not scored in four matches against United but Tom Huddlestone put the hosts in front from the penalty spot late in the first half.
The midfielder scored his first goal of the season as he beat David de Gea from 12 yards after a foul had been given against United defender Marcos Rojo from a Hull corner.
Hull had the better of the match, but the world's most expensive footballer proved the difference, Pogba finding the bottom corner after neat build-up play created a clear sight of goal, although Oumar Niasse set up a grandstand finish with a late goal.
Only once in 27 attempts had a side come back from a first-leg deficit of two or more goals to progress through the EFL Cup semi-finals and Hull could not add to the record despite valiant efforts, with Old Trafford goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini decisive.
It proved to be a nervous 54th birthday for Mourinho, but United will face Southampton - who beat Liverpool 2-0 over two legs - in the final at Wembley on February 26 as the Portuguese hunts his first major silverware at the club.
With a two-goal deficit to overturn, Hull needed a bright start and they got one, with Harry Maguire blasting a volley over the crossbar and Sam Clucas hitting a powerful free-kick at David De Gea.
After 25 minutes, to mark his squad number, Hull fans showed their support for Ryan Mason, who is recovering from a fractured skull suffered in a clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill on Sunday.
De Gea was then tested again as Niasse, on his first Hull start, lashed a drive straight at the United goalkeeper, before Shaun Maloney bent a free-kick over the crossbar.The game was in desperate need of a goal and it got one after 35 minutes as Hull took the lead.
Rojo fouled Maguire from a set-piece and Huddlestone stepped up to beat De Gea into his bottom-right corner.Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost provided the perfect response for United but David Marshall tipped his placed effort around the post.
United had lost four of their last five away League Cup matches against Premier League opposition and the visitors saw three strong penalty claims rejected after half-time when Pogba, Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford went down in the box in quick succession.
Hull were stop United fighting back into the match and Pogba effectively settled the tie after 65 minutes.Ibrahimovic freed Rashford in the left channel and in tackling the striker, Huddlestone diverted the ball straight to Pogba, the France international slotting home his seventh goal of the season.Rojo almost added to United's aggregate lead but he headed Jesse Lingard's corner against the crossbar, then Niasse was also denied by the woodwork with a header.
United's new record goalscorer Wayne Rooney came on as a late substitute but, with five minutes to play, Niasse tapped in David Meyler's low cross to retake the lead on the night for Hull.
The goal changed little, though, and Mourinho's men held on, despite Hull's late pressure, to move into the EFL Cup final.
Congratulations Manchester United!
We are qualified to the EFL Cup Final!
Habai final 1kedi Southampton beat karanna meeta wada godak hodata play karanna wenawa
Good Luck Manchester United!
We are qualified to the EFL Cup Final!
Habai final 1kedi Southampton beat karanna meeta wada godak hodata play karanna wenawa
Good Luck Manchester United!
Memphis: It wasn't easy under Mourinho - but we didn't have a bad relationship
Memphis Depay insists he holds no grudge against Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho following his transfer to Ligue 1 side Lyon, describing him as "a great coach and person".
The winger's £16 million switch to France was confirmed on Friday following a frustrating campaign in the Premier League this season under Mourinho.
Memphis played just 20 minutes of league football under the Portuguese this term, following an impressive debut campaign under countryman Louis van Gaal last time out in which he made 45 appearances in all competitions.
And though Mourinho did not consider Memphis as a key player in his Red Devils squad, the United boss praised the 22-year-old's attitude upon his departure and welcomed a return to the club in the future, something which the player appreciated.
"His words were nice. In Manchester, I always worked as I had to. For me personally, it wasn't all that easy," Memphis, whose transfer could earn United up to £21.7 million with add-ons, told OL TV . "I needed to play. But we didn't have a bad relationship."He's a great coach and a great person. Now we'll see here how I play. In any case, I think he has said good things about me."
Memphis made his Lyon debut on Sunday, replacing Mathieu Valbuena in the final 10 minutes of the club's 3-1 victory at home to Marseille, and has enjoyed his short time in France thus far.
"I'm known because I score goals and provide assists. But I also know the leading scorer here, Alexandre Lacazette. We have a good understanding, his movement is very good," said Memphis.
"I feel very good, in top form. My first week was good, training went very well, and little by little I'm getting back into the rhythm. Now I think I'm ready to start a game as of the next match. I'm training hard, my fitness is good. I think I can push for a starting place for the next game."
Memphis Depay insists he holds no grudge against Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho following his transfer to Ligue 1 side Lyon, describing him as "a great coach and person".
The winger's £16 million switch to France was confirmed on Friday following a frustrating campaign in the Premier League this season under Mourinho.
Memphis played just 20 minutes of league football under the Portuguese this term, following an impressive debut campaign under countryman Louis van Gaal last time out in which he made 45 appearances in all competitions.
And though Mourinho did not consider Memphis as a key player in his Red Devils squad, the United boss praised the 22-year-old's attitude upon his departure and welcomed a return to the club in the future, something which the player appreciated.
"His words were nice. In Manchester, I always worked as I had to. For me personally, it wasn't all that easy," Memphis, whose transfer could earn United up to £21.7 million with add-ons, told OL TV . "I needed to play. But we didn't have a bad relationship."He's a great coach and a great person. Now we'll see here how I play. In any case, I think he has said good things about me."
Memphis made his Lyon debut on Sunday, replacing Mathieu Valbuena in the final 10 minutes of the club's 3-1 victory at home to Marseille, and has enjoyed his short time in France thus far.
"I'm known because I score goals and provide assists. But I also know the leading scorer here, Alexandre Lacazette. We have a good understanding, his movement is very good," said Memphis.
"I feel very good, in top form. My first week was good, training went very well, and little by little I'm getting back into the rhythm. Now I think I'm ready to start a game as of the next match. I'm training hard, my fitness is good. I think I can push for a starting place for the next game."
Roberto Carlos: 'Fantastic' Gabriel Jesus will be a Man City star
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has backed compatriot Gabriel Jesus to become a star at Manchester City.
The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut on Saturday against Tottenham, coming off the bench for an impressive cameo, having signed for Pep Guardiola's side from Palmeiras.
City paid a reported £27 million for the attacker, who is a full Brazil international, having already scored four goals in six appearances since making his senior debut in September 2016.
Former World Cup winner Roberto Carlos believes that Jesus' City debut only showed glimpses of what he is capable of, and feels he will only improve once he properly settles in England.
"Gabriel will be very important for Manchester City but he needs time to adapt," the 43-year-old told Sky Sports."I would ask that people don't put too much pressure on him too soon."
Jesus had the ball in the net in the 2-2 draw, but his late strike was called back by Andre Marriner. However, Roberto Carlos was impressed with his brief showing."He showed what he can do in the last 15 minutes of the game against Tottenham," the former Real Madrid defender continued. "He showed his fantastic speed and he scored the goal that was ruled out for offside.
"It made people notice him, but it can be difficult for a young boy coming to a new country. He has to adapt."
Middlesbrough boss Karanka confirms interest in PSG forward Jese
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has confirmed that he wants to sign Jese Rodriguez from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old forward has been linked with a move to the Premier League and a return to La Liga, having struggled to adapt to life in Ligue 1 following a reported €25million move from Real Madrid.
Karanka - who worked with the player while he was Jose Mourinho's assistant at the Santiago Bernabeu - says he hopes to convince Jese to try his luck in England on what is expected to be a loan deal.
"Jese Rodriguez is a player I have worked with and I know how good he is. His next move is important and I hope we can convince him," Karanka told a news conference."He was playing for Real Madrid last season. He's a Champions League player, a young player with an amazing future in front of him."
Karanka, who confirmed defender Calum Chambers has suffered a stress fracture in his foot, also said Boro have not given up hope of signing Robert Snodgrass from Hull City.Reports in England on Wednesday claimed that Burnley has moved ahead in the race to sign the Scotland international after having a £10m bid accepted.
West Ham are also said to be keen but Karanka says his side are still in the hunt.
"He's a player I like. The club is working on offers with Hull. He's a player I like a lot," he said.
"I think they rejected an offer from us but the club is working. He's a player who we like and who we want to bring here."Karanka could be given a financial boost following Gaston Ramirez's decision to submit a transfer request.The 26-year-old is a reported target for champions Leicester City but Karanka warned that he will not be sold on the cheap."Yes, he's handed in a transfer request. It's frustrating," he said.
"He was calling us to play here last season, he got back to his best here, he got back in the [Uruguay] national team. It's frustrating as a coach and a person."Nobody is bigger than the team. At the end, if we don't receive the right offer, he will be an important player."
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has confirmed that he wants to sign Jese Rodriguez from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old forward has been linked with a move to the Premier League and a return to La Liga, having struggled to adapt to life in Ligue 1 following a reported €25million move from Real Madrid.
Karanka - who worked with the player while he was Jose Mourinho's assistant at the Santiago Bernabeu - says he hopes to convince Jese to try his luck in England on what is expected to be a loan deal.
"Jese Rodriguez is a player I have worked with and I know how good he is. His next move is important and I hope we can convince him," Karanka told a news conference."He was playing for Real Madrid last season. He's a Champions League player, a young player with an amazing future in front of him."
Karanka, who confirmed defender Calum Chambers has suffered a stress fracture in his foot, also said Boro have not given up hope of signing Robert Snodgrass from Hull City.Reports in England on Wednesday claimed that Burnley has moved ahead in the race to sign the Scotland international after having a £10m bid accepted.
West Ham are also said to be keen but Karanka says his side are still in the hunt.
"He's a player I like. The club is working on offers with Hull. He's a player I like a lot," he said.
"I think they rejected an offer from us but the club is working. He's a player who we like and who we want to bring here."Karanka could be given a financial boost following Gaston Ramirez's decision to submit a transfer request.The 26-year-old is a reported target for champions Leicester City but Karanka warned that he will not be sold on the cheap."Yes, he's handed in a transfer request. It's frustrating," he said.
"He was calling us to play here last season, he got back to his best here, he got back in the [Uruguay] national team. It's frustrating as a coach and a person."Nobody is bigger than the team. At the end, if we don't receive the right offer, he will be an important player."
Tottenham only in the market for a 'special player', claims Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino insists Tottenham will only dip into the January transfer market if a “special player” becomes available.Spurs are prepared to see out the remainder of the season with those already at their disposal, having done much of their best work in previous windows.
They have also focused a lot of their attention on the retention of key men, rather than the pursuit of fresh faces.Several key figures have penned fresh terms at White Hart Lane this season, with stability and continuity considered to be vital in north London.
Pochettino is not about to waver in that belief, with the Argentine only prepared to bolster his ranks if an opportunity too good to pass up presents itself.He told reporters: “I told you from the first day of the month that we are not thinking to sign players.
“If some special player becomes available who is a very good option, then maybe, but it hasn’t happened yet.“Nothing is impossible because a player can arrive at the last moment but I don’t believe we will sign anyone.”
Of greater concern to Pochettino than Tuesday’s transfer deadline is a FA Cup fourth round clash with Wycombe, with the Spurs head coach aware of the need to remain focused on the present in order to avoid a potential banana skin.
He added: “The beauty of the FA Cup is that maybe clubs in League Two believe they can beat us. It is always important to take these games seriously and to be ready to compete.
“For them it will be like a World Cup Final, perhaps one of the most important games in their history.”
Mauricio Pochettino insists Tottenham will only dip into the January transfer market if a “special player” becomes available.Spurs are prepared to see out the remainder of the season with those already at their disposal, having done much of their best work in previous windows.
They have also focused a lot of their attention on the retention of key men, rather than the pursuit of fresh faces.Several key figures have penned fresh terms at White Hart Lane this season, with stability and continuity considered to be vital in north London.
Pochettino is not about to waver in that belief, with the Argentine only prepared to bolster his ranks if an opportunity too good to pass up presents itself.He told reporters: “I told you from the first day of the month that we are not thinking to sign players.
“If some special player becomes available who is a very good option, then maybe, but it hasn’t happened yet.“Nothing is impossible because a player can arrive at the last moment but I don’t believe we will sign anyone.”
Of greater concern to Pochettino than Tuesday’s transfer deadline is a FA Cup fourth round clash with Wycombe, with the Spurs head coach aware of the need to remain focused on the present in order to avoid a potential banana skin.
He added: “The beauty of the FA Cup is that maybe clubs in League Two believe they can beat us. It is always important to take these games seriously and to be ready to compete.
“For them it will be like a World Cup Final, perhaps one of the most important games in their history.”
Barcelona 5-2 Real Sociedad (agg 6-2): Messi and Suarez help to book semi-final berth
Holders Barcelona moved into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 6-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad after a fiery second leg at Camp Nou.
Leading the quarter-final 1-0 after last week's first leg thanks to Neymar's penalty, Barca finished the job with an entertaining 5-2 win on Thursday.Having scored against Eibar last time out, Denis Suarez put them in front in the first half.
Lionel Messi doubled the advantage with a second-half penalty to move onto 29 goals for the season, while Luis Suarez reached 20 for his campaign just after Juanmi had struck for the visitors.
Willian Jose headed in Real's second of the night, but Arda Turan and Denis Suarez's second killed off any faint hopes of a comeback in a feisty contest that saw Neymar, Luis Suarez and Carlos Vela all narrowly avoid red cards.
Barca, seeking a third consecutive Copa crown, now join Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in the last four, with Real Madrid's exit from the competition a huge boost to their hopes.
Eusebio Sacristan's men are only six points behind Barca in LaLiga, but their wait for a first cup final appearance since 1988 goes on.Barca struck first in the 17th minute after Real captain Xabi Prieto wanted a foul when he was dispossessed by Samuel Umtiti, but nothing was given.
That allowed the hosts to launch a move that involved Neymar and Messi and concluded with Luis Suarez's flick releasing Denis Suarez – in as one of five changes from Luis Enrique - to produce a calm finish into the far corner.
Real attempted to respond with Raul Navas heading Vela's corner wide, while Willian Jose shot over with an acrobatic effort.Luis Suarez produced an impressive finish for Barca at the other end, but had strayed just offside from a sublime Messi pass as Barca's advantage stayed at one.
Tempers flared just before half-time when Vela and Neymar went head-to-head after the Mexico international had fouled his opponent.
Both were perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card, with Neymar moving his head into Vela, who responded with a hand to the face.
A bad-tempered affair continued in the second half with Luis Suarez only booked after Yuri claimed he had been elbowed in the stomach.It was a dramatic sequence that led to Barca taking full control of the tie after 55 minutes.
First, Real should have levelled on the night with a magnificent passing move that led to Jordi Alba making a goal-saving challenge and Jasper Cillessen somehow keeping out Willian Jose's follow-up.
The visitors were punished when Neymar immediately raced clear on the break and Inigo Martinez took him down from behind in the box. Messi then found the bottom corner from spot, despite goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli guessing the right way.
Real did find the net seven minutes later, substitute Juanmi lifting a clever finish over Cillessen after racing on to Martinez's throughball.But Barca responded within 78 seconds in a thrilling contest, Luis Suarez sliding a finish under Rulli having been sent clear by Messi.
Real threw caution to the wind and got their second when Aritz Elustondo crossed from the right and Willian Jose timed his run perfectly to thump a header past Cillessen.But Luis Enrique's team finally settled the issue with two goals in as many minutes.
With 10 minutes to play, Arda Turan tapped in a cross from fellow substitute Aleix Vidal at the back post and Denis Suarez struck in Barca's next attack, collecting Messi's pass before rounding Rulli to secure their progression to the last four.
Holders Barcelona moved into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 6-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad after a fiery second leg at Camp Nou.
Leading the quarter-final 1-0 after last week's first leg thanks to Neymar's penalty, Barca finished the job with an entertaining 5-2 win on Thursday.Having scored against Eibar last time out, Denis Suarez put them in front in the first half.
Lionel Messi doubled the advantage with a second-half penalty to move onto 29 goals for the season, while Luis Suarez reached 20 for his campaign just after Juanmi had struck for the visitors.
Willian Jose headed in Real's second of the night, but Arda Turan and Denis Suarez's second killed off any faint hopes of a comeback in a feisty contest that saw Neymar, Luis Suarez and Carlos Vela all narrowly avoid red cards.
Barca, seeking a third consecutive Copa crown, now join Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo in the last four, with Real Madrid's exit from the competition a huge boost to their hopes.
Eusebio Sacristan's men are only six points behind Barca in LaLiga, but their wait for a first cup final appearance since 1988 goes on.Barca struck first in the 17th minute after Real captain Xabi Prieto wanted a foul when he was dispossessed by Samuel Umtiti, but nothing was given.
That allowed the hosts to launch a move that involved Neymar and Messi and concluded with Luis Suarez's flick releasing Denis Suarez – in as one of five changes from Luis Enrique - to produce a calm finish into the far corner.
Real attempted to respond with Raul Navas heading Vela's corner wide, while Willian Jose shot over with an acrobatic effort.Luis Suarez produced an impressive finish for Barca at the other end, but had strayed just offside from a sublime Messi pass as Barca's advantage stayed at one.
Tempers flared just before half-time when Vela and Neymar went head-to-head after the Mexico international had fouled his opponent.
Both were perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card, with Neymar moving his head into Vela, who responded with a hand to the face.
A bad-tempered affair continued in the second half with Luis Suarez only booked after Yuri claimed he had been elbowed in the stomach.It was a dramatic sequence that led to Barca taking full control of the tie after 55 minutes.
First, Real should have levelled on the night with a magnificent passing move that led to Jordi Alba making a goal-saving challenge and Jasper Cillessen somehow keeping out Willian Jose's follow-up.
The visitors were punished when Neymar immediately raced clear on the break and Inigo Martinez took him down from behind in the box. Messi then found the bottom corner from spot, despite goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli guessing the right way.
Real did find the net seven minutes later, substitute Juanmi lifting a clever finish over Cillessen after racing on to Martinez's throughball.But Barca responded within 78 seconds in a thrilling contest, Luis Suarez sliding a finish under Rulli having been sent clear by Messi.
Real threw caution to the wind and got their second when Aritz Elustondo crossed from the right and Willian Jose timed his run perfectly to thump a header past Cillessen.But Luis Enrique's team finally settled the issue with two goals in as many minutes.
With 10 minutes to play, Arda Turan tapped in a cross from fellow substitute Aleix Vidal at the back post and Denis Suarez struck in Barca's next attack, collecting Messi's pass before rounding Rulli to secure their progression to the last four.
Carrick disappointed with defeat despite booking EFL Cup final spot
Michael Carrick was disappointed as Manchester United's 17-game unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Hull City on Thursday, although his side moved into the EFL Cup final.
United will face Southampton at Wembley on February 26 after winning the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate, with first-leg goals by Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini proving decisive.
Tom Huddlestone gave Hull the lead from the penalty spot, only for Paul Pogba to settle the tie with the equaliser, but Oumar Niasse's late goal gave Hull victory on the night.
And Carrick accepted United did not perform well enough despite Jose Mourinho naming a strong starting lineup featuring Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I wouldn't say we feel relief," Carrick told Sky Sports. "We're disappointed with the way we played and lost the game."It is a strange feeling. We wanted to win and keep our run going but we didn't play well at all. We're delighted to be in the final, although it's a strange feeling.
"We didn't believe we were through [after the first leg]. We expected a tough game and for them to come at us and we didn't play well for a number of reasons. We don't like losing and we've lost but we can take the final from it and we're delighted to be there.
"We've got a game on Sunday [in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic] so we'll get ready for that but we can look forward to the final. It's a big thing as you don't get many chances to win things. We don't like losing and we lost so it's disappointing."
Pogba's goal took him to seven for the season, with only Ibrahimovic more prolific for United, and Carrick felt the France international's equaliser on the night was a key moment.
"It was a big goal for us at that stage and put us in a great position," Carrick said.
"It was nice for Paul to get his goal and hopefully he can go on and score a few goals."
A moody Mourinho, who marked his 54th birthday by booking United's place in the final, appeared to be upset with a number of refereeing decisions that went against his side."I just want to say congratulations to my players, because it was a difficult road to be in the final and we are in the final," Mourinho said in a brief Sky Sports interview.
"I don't want to say anything else, it is enough. I am calm, I behaved on the bench, not sent off, and no more words."
Man Utd moving in the right direction, claims Neville
Phil Neville believes Manchester United are “100 per cent going in the right direction” but has warned that EFL Cup success would not be enough to gloss over failings in the Premier League.The Red Devils booked their place in the first major final of the season on Thursday evening with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Hull City.
Jose Mourinho’s men now have another day out at Wembley to look forward to, but a 2-1 defeat at the KC Stadium saw a 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end.
United were lacklustre for much of the encounter, despite the reward at stake, and eventually edged through courtesy of a second half effort from Paul Pogba.
While they were far from their best against the Tigers, Neville feels his former club are moving forward under Mourinho’s guidance, with a winning mentality restored at Old Trafford.
He told Sky Sports: “They are 100 per cent going in the right direction.“They are playing with a better style, they are playing with more confidence, they have got a determination about them.
“They have lost tonight, qualified for a major final and those players didn’t really celebrate at the end of the game.“That shows you how far they have come, that the standards have been raised at that football club back to where it should be.”
While United can take heart from being back on the trophy trail, Neville admits that Champions League qualification through their league placing has to be considered the top priority this season.
He added: “They have to finish in the top four because of the marketing and the commercial side and I think that is the minimum that they want. But, winning a major trophy should not be taken lightly.
"I think the league is a little bit too much, so you look at getting in the Champions League through either finishing in the top four or winning the Europa League. United can more than do that."United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, four points adrift of Liverpool in fourth.
Phil Neville believes Manchester United are “100 per cent going in the right direction” but has warned that EFL Cup success would not be enough to gloss over failings in the Premier League.The Red Devils booked their place in the first major final of the season on Thursday evening with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Hull City.
Jose Mourinho’s men now have another day out at Wembley to look forward to, but a 2-1 defeat at the KC Stadium saw a 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end.
United were lacklustre for much of the encounter, despite the reward at stake, and eventually edged through courtesy of a second half effort from Paul Pogba.
While they were far from their best against the Tigers, Neville feels his former club are moving forward under Mourinho’s guidance, with a winning mentality restored at Old Trafford.
He told Sky Sports: “They are 100 per cent going in the right direction.“They are playing with a better style, they are playing with more confidence, they have got a determination about them.
“They have lost tonight, qualified for a major final and those players didn’t really celebrate at the end of the game.“That shows you how far they have come, that the standards have been raised at that football club back to where it should be.”
While United can take heart from being back on the trophy trail, Neville admits that Champions League qualification through their league placing has to be considered the top priority this season.
He added: “They have to finish in the top four because of the marketing and the commercial side and I think that is the minimum that they want. But, winning a major trophy should not be taken lightly.
"I think the league is a little bit too much, so you look at getting in the Champions League through either finishing in the top four or winning the Europa League. United can more than do that."United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, four points adrift of Liverpool in fourth.
'I have a special connection with Messi' - Suarez
Denis Suarez said he has a "special connection" with team-mate Lionel Messi after starring in Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarter-final triumph.Defending champions Barca progressed to the semi-finals 6-2 on aggregate after Thursday's entertaining 5-2 win over Real Sociedad.
Denis Suarez scored twice, with his brace completed after combining superbly with Messi eight minutes from the end."I have a special connection with Leo, when I play near him I think and I get things right," he told BeIN.
Denis Suarez scored last time out in the La Liga rout of Eibar as he opened his account for the Spanish champions.The 23-year-old continued: "It is a team that gives me a good feeling.
"I think we dominated the game from the start despite their pressure, after the first goal they started leaving gaps and with the three forwards we have, that will kill you."
Namesake Luis Suarez was also on target in the Camp Nou mauling of Real Sociedad, while Messi and Arda Turn completed a comfortable night's work for Luis Enrique's side.
Denis Suarez said he has a "special connection" with team-mate Lionel Messi after starring in Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarter-final triumph.Defending champions Barca progressed to the semi-finals 6-2 on aggregate after Thursday's entertaining 5-2 win over Real Sociedad.
Denis Suarez scored twice, with his brace completed after combining superbly with Messi eight minutes from the end."I have a special connection with Leo, when I play near him I think and I get things right," he told BeIN.
Denis Suarez scored last time out in the La Liga rout of Eibar as he opened his account for the Spanish champions.The 23-year-old continued: "It is a team that gives me a good feeling.
"I think we dominated the game from the start despite their pressure, after the first goal they started leaving gaps and with the three forwards we have, that will kill you."
Namesake Luis Suarez was also on target in the Camp Nou mauling of Real Sociedad, while Messi and Arda Turn completed a comfortable night's work for Luis Enrique's side.
Rashford: Mourinho ideal for Manchester United
Marcus Rashford feels Jose Mourinho is the ideal manager to help Manchester United back to greatness again after a number of underwhelming seasons.
The Old Trafford side have struggled to challenge for the Premier League title ever since the departure of Alex Ferguson, but Rashford is optimistic Mourinho can turn them into a force to be reckoned with once more.
United saw their 17-match unbeaten streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss at Hull City in the League Cup on Thursday, though they still progressed to the final 3-2 on aggregate.
"I definitely think Mourinho is the ideal manager to help Manchester United win important trophies again," Rashford told Marca. "He is recognised worldwide for his coaching abilities.
"His decision to join United transmitted confidence to the players and the fans."We are taking things one game at a time, but I think Mourinho is ideal for United."
Rashford broke into the first team under Louis van Gaal last term and he is looking to build on that under Mourinho this campaign, though he has only made eight league starts under the Portuguese."Jose has been telling me to remain calm and try to approach games the same way as training," he added.
"He tells me the same things he tells everybody else."
Marcus Rashford feels Jose Mourinho is the ideal manager to help Manchester United back to greatness again after a number of underwhelming seasons.
The Old Trafford side have struggled to challenge for the Premier League title ever since the departure of Alex Ferguson, but Rashford is optimistic Mourinho can turn them into a force to be reckoned with once more.
United saw their 17-match unbeaten streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss at Hull City in the League Cup on Thursday, though they still progressed to the final 3-2 on aggregate.
"I definitely think Mourinho is the ideal manager to help Manchester United win important trophies again," Rashford told Marca. "He is recognised worldwide for his coaching abilities.
"His decision to join United transmitted confidence to the players and the fans."We are taking things one game at a time, but I think Mourinho is ideal for United."
Rashford broke into the first team under Louis van Gaal last term and he is looking to build on that under Mourinho this campaign, though he has only made eight league starts under the Portuguese."Jose has been telling me to remain calm and try to approach games the same way as training," he added.
"He tells me the same things he tells everybody else."
Lewandowski wants Aubameyang to stay at Dortmund
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski feels it would be better for the Bundesliga if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stayed at Borussia Dortmund.
The Gabon international has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past few months and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke admitted this week they would consider offers in the region of €80 million.
Nevertheless, Lewandowski has urged his former team-mate to stay in the Bundesliga."I have heard that he is feeling very well in Dortmund," Lewandowski told Sport Bild.
"I obviously do not know exactly what he is thinking and BVB have a decision to make as well. Do they want to hold on to him or make a lot of money..."But of course, it would be better for the Bundesliga if he were to stay put."
Dortmund brought in Aubameyang from Saint-Etienne in 2013 as they anticipated Lewandowski's move to Bayern the following season.Aubameyang has since netted 100 goals in all competitions for the Signal Iduna Park side.
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski feels it would be better for the Bundesliga if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stayed at Borussia Dortmund.
The Gabon international has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past few months and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke admitted this week they would consider offers in the region of €80 million.
Nevertheless, Lewandowski has urged his former team-mate to stay in the Bundesliga."I have heard that he is feeling very well in Dortmund," Lewandowski told Sport Bild.
"I obviously do not know exactly what he is thinking and BVB have a decision to make as well. Do they want to hold on to him or make a lot of money..."But of course, it would be better for the Bundesliga if he were to stay put."
Dortmund brought in Aubameyang from Saint-Etienne in 2013 as they anticipated Lewandowski's move to Bayern the following season.Aubameyang has since netted 100 goals in all competitions for the Signal Iduna Park side.
