Mourinho tips his cap to Manchester United centre-backs

Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera may have stolen the headlines in Manchester United’s win over Chelsea on Sunday, but manager Jose Mourinho insists he has been especially impressed by his defenders of late.

Often criticised this season for not scoring enough goals on home soil, the Red Devils controlled proceedings at Old Trafford against the league leaders, with Rashford and Herrera – via a deflection – scoring either side of half-time in a vital 2-0 win.

Three points keeps United’s hopes of a top-four finish alive, while they can still also qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League victory.

And given the injuries to his side’s other defenders, Mourinho knows exactly how important the contributions of centre-backs Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have been recently.

“I think everyone did what they had to do,” he said. “Everybody fought really hard.

“Bailly and Rojo, they deserve a special mention because they have played in absolutely every game, non-stop, since the injuries of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

“But I am really happy with the team and the results, because the Manchester City and Liverpool results on Saturday left us in the position of needing to win.

“Not even a draw would be a good result for us, so I am really happy for the boys and for us because we keep two windows open to try to play Champions League football next season.”