Fergie-time performance as United script heroic comeback against Newcastle
What's the story
Last night, Manchester United gave fans a throwback to the Ferguson era as they came back from 0-2 to win their match (3-2) against Newcastle. Mourinho, during the press conference, said the performance gave United a boost, and he was happy for the players and the fans. Goals from Mata, Martial and Sanchez sealed the deal for United. Here are further details.
Newcastle
Even Newcastle have got United's number
To get 0-2 down in the first half against a club like Newcastle should force United to evaluate if their approach is producing results. Mourinho needs to plan a change so that United do not give the ball away and concede goals so early in the game. However, one has to admit Kenedy and Yoshinori did net in two beautiful goals.
Mourinho
Jose Mourinho's post-match press conference won hearts
Mourinho praised the spirit of the fans in the post-match press conference. He said the way the fans stood behind the team was beautiful, and he was filled with respect and admiration for that. He also reminisced how once when he defeated Liverpool 4-0 at Anfield and the home fans were still cheering the losing side and he was touched by this spirit.
Manhunt
Mourinho also said there is a man-hunt going on
Referring to how he was at the center of the footballing world prior to the match, Mourinho said that he was the subject of 'manhunting' and 'wickedness'. It was believed that Mourinho would be sacked post the Newcastle match until United authorities cleared the air around the rumor. Mourinho ranted that in his life, he has never encountered anything like this.
Performance
United players showed some class in the second half
Manchester United created a number of chances in the second half and brilliantly scored three goals in the last twenty minutes. Juan Mata's free-kick was perfect and so was Martial's strike, after connecting brilliantly with compatriot Paul Pogba. Alexis Sanchez should be quite relieved after scoring the winner and finally producing some results for the huge pay-check he receives every week.
Records
What were the records broken in the match?
This was the seventh time United came back after being down with more than two goals in the EPL. Newcastle have not won a match in their last eight Premier League games, second-highest since 1898/99, when they went 10 games without a win. Mourinho now has the highest winning percentage (60.3%) among all Manchester United managers, with Ferguson being next with 60.1%.