Because of the Merseyside derby, Manchester United’s FA Cup third round tie against Derby County went under the radar last Friday evening.This was the first FA Cup tie involving United that hadn’t been broadcast live on television since their 0-0 draw with Exeter City back in January 2005 - a controversial run which spanned 58 matches.However, neutrals didn’t miss particularly much from Friday’s clash at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho’s side dominated their Championship opponents who, in truth, were flattered by the 2-0 defeat.United hit the woodwork three times before Jesse Lingard finally broke the deadlock with a magnificent strike in the 84th minute.Romelu Lukaku, on as a second-half substitute, then ensured United will be in the hat for the fourth round draw by scoring past the impressive Scott Carson in injury time.Lukaku was sent on at half-time for the ineffectual Henrikh Mkhitaryan while Anthony Martial came on for Juan Mata in the 67th minute.Then, in the 80th minute, Mourinho used his third and final substitution when he sent on Marouane Fellaini in place of Marcus Rashford.
United, remember, were drawing 0-0 at this point and were on course for an underwhelming stalemate plus an unwanted third-round replay.With Fellaini now on the pitch, many United fans inside Old Trafford would have expected the team to resort to ‘Plan B’ - i.e: lump the ball up to the big man - in order to snatch a late winner.
United fans heard what Jose shouted after Fellaini went on
However, United fans who were able to watch the match heard Mourinho shout an instruction to his players - thanks to a microphone positioned next to the Portuguese coach.
Watch it here…
Did you hear what Mourinho said?
In case you couldn’t make it out, Mourinho bellowed: "Yes, play, play football. Keep playing, keep playing. Don't go long, keep playing. Play."
United fans are loving the video
United fans are loving the footage and believe this is evidence that Mourinho, despite what some football fans might believe, does not encourage his teams to play anti-football.
Mourinho's tactics and United's patience paid off
Two minutes later and United were 1-0 up thanks to Lingard’s stunner.
United’s patience paid off and Mourinho deserves credit for that.