Heading off to take on Saint-Etienne, in France, with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, at Old Trafford, had put Manchester United in the driving seat with regards to qualifying for the last-16 of the Europa League.
However, football is a dangerous game when it comes to complacency and Jose Mourinho needed to ensure his side approached the game in the correct manner.
After the match both sides fulfilled their contractual obligation by talking to the media.
Jose Mourinho had this to say about his sides performance,
‘Everything was under control, solid, focused, professional.
‘Obviously the first goal kills every hope. We still like to win the game. I told the players if someone gives me a 2-1 victory it is not enough. I always want the best possible result.
‘I have to give the right message to the players and the right message is to play with a strong team and have a bench with options. We knew it would be difficult. It was important to play solid and to have complete control of the game.’
Sound advice there from somebody who has a wealth of experience.
As for the beaten side, Saint-Etienne, their boss, Christophe Galtier, had this to say,
‘I would love for my players to have won this game for themselves, first of all, but also for the fans because they would have deserved it. The fans were just exceptional tonight.’
Indeed they were, even with the tie out of sight the noise was incredible in a ground known as ‘The Cauldron`
Here at Vital Manchester United we wish Saint-Etienne all the best for the remainder of the season and may our paths cross one day again.
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