Jose Mourinho blames Manchester United's inability to kill off game for Carabao Cup exit

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho blamed his side's inability to kill off the game for their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Derby.

Juan Mata had given United an early lead but Derby hit back and looked on course for victory inside 90 minutes thanks to goals from substitute Jack Marriott and an exceptional Harry Wilson free-kick.
But Marouane Fellaini scored deep into stoppage time to snatch a 2-2 draw but it was the Sky Bet Championship side that triumphed 8-7 on penalties.

"We didn't score when we could and we could in the first half," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "We had good situations to kill it, we didn't and at half-time I repeated the same words I did in the last match, telling the players that their dressing room was a dressing room with belief because the result was open and because they were playing quite well.
"We needed to go and kill the game, which we didn't. We couldn't be dominant at the beginning of the second half and only after their equaliser we had again that reaction I don't like.

"I prefer to be proactive and to go for it, but we go for it only at 1-1 and after the red card we are in a bit of difficulty. Then even with one man less it was a reaction of pride, a reaction of a group that didn't want to lose the game and tried until the last second.
"Then the penalties come and someone has to miss. When I saw us going after the sixth, the seventh I knew we were going to be in trouble with (Phil) Jones and with Eric (Bailly). I knew we were going to be in trouble then."

Extra-time has been removed from the Carabao Cup this season, meaning games ending in a draw after 90 minutes go straight to a penalty shootout.

That was the case at Old Trafford and while Mourinho agrees with the rule change, he thinks it comes at a disadvantage to the bigger sides.
He said: "I told the players in the team talk before the match, the new rules, which I agree with, would put the favourite team in more danger.

"With a draw you had in the past 30 more minutes to play. Without extra-time you go straight to penalties and I think it goes against the team that normally would win the match in 30 minutes of extra time.

"Then you go to penalties and I never blame a player to lose a penalty shootout."
He added: "The Carabao Cup is not a worry anymore because we don't play again until the next season.


"It is the minor of the competitions we are involved in but I would lie if I say we threw the match away. No, we want to win the match and we are disappointed that we drew."