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Jose Mourinho is on course to win a cup double with Manchester United this season.
Having already claimed the EFL Cup – beating Southampton 3-2 in the final – the Red Devils have focused their attention on Europe.
A 2-1 aggregate win over FC Rostov of Russia has put United through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will face Anderlecht of Belgium.
However, Mourinho is not happy, making incessant complaints about the amount of games United have to play and the congested fixture list.
Roy Keane hit out at Mourinho over his complaints, highlighting how the squad he has and the easy cup draws United have been given means the Portuguese has no right to be aggrieved.
"I’ve never heard so much rubbish in my life,” Keane told ITV Sport. “Why do we have to listen to that garbage?
"It’s just utter nonsense what he’s talking about. He’s manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs on the planet. The squad he’s got… and he keeps moaning about fixtures and fatigue.
"We were just looking at some of the cup draws they’ve had. They’ve had an easy ride in the cups; some good draws and a lot of home draws. The guy’s talking absolute nonsense. I’ve never heard so much rubbish in my life.”
But, is Keane right in claiming the Old Trafford club have ‘had an easy ride in the cups?’
Knocked out of England’s biggest cup competition on Monday evening, United performed admirably against Premier League leaders and cup favourites Chelsea. Despite being down to 10 men from the 35th minute onwards, Mourinho’s side put in a superb defensive showing, and only conceded once from a surprising source – N’Golo Kante converting a rare long-range strike.
However, it took until the sixth round clash against the Blues for Mourinho’s side to come up against a tough opponent.
In the three previous rounds, United had to play three Championship teams - only one of which could be considered a strong side.
Reading came into the game in good form, but were never expected to win at Old Trafford, whilst out-of-form Wigan stood no chance at the Theatre of Dreams.
Blackburn posed a tougher test at Ewood Park, but are fighting relegation, and succumbed to an expected defeated.
This was definitely a competition United were fortunate in, losing as soon as they came up against a top class opponent.
Winners of the League Cup, beating Southampton in the final, United had a fairly tough time in reaching the final.
Northampton Town were dispatched with ease in the third round, but the following three opponents were all Premier League sides.
Manchester City travelled to Old Trafford in the fourth round, but Pep Guardiola selected a weakened team; they promptly lost 1-0.
Following that win, United hosted West Ham and won 4-1. An impressive result, but less impressive considering the dreadful form shown by the Hammers at that stage of the season.
Hull were beaten over two legs in the semi-finals, Mourinho’s men winning 2-0 at home and losing 2-1 away. Truthfully, the Red Devils were very poor, and really should have performed better than they did.
To win the competition, Southampton were overcome at Wembley. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late winner in what was a remarkably poor showing from United, with many believing the Saints were by far the most impressive team.
Considering the Red Devils had to play four Premier League teams in five rounds of the League Cup, the run to the final was impressive. The teams they played may have been out of form and much-changed, but the record books will shine kindly on Mourinho and his charges.
Only qualifying for Europe’s secondary competition, United were always going to be classed as one of the favourites for a tournament they have never won throughout their history.
Still, they only finished second in their group – behind Fenerbahce – losing away matches to the Turkish side and Feyenoord.
Ukraine’s Zorya Luhansk were the fourth team Mourinho’s men faced in the group stage, with their three opponents making up a fairly easy path for United to the knockout phase.
Overcoming Saint-Etienne in the round of 32 was a truly impressive feat, especially by the 4-0 aggregate scorline.
One of the stronger teams in France, Les Verts were downed with ease by the Red Devils.
The round of 16 pitted United against Rostov, winning over both legs by a 2-1 scoreline. Heavy favourites to progress, United still found it hard against the Russians.
With the draw for the quarter-finals made, and Anderlecht pulled out the hat, Mourinho will be pleased at the fairly easy tie for United.
Certainly one of the weaker teams left in the competition, the Portuguese should be able to lead the Red Devils to the semi-final – and maybe even to the final.
Should Manchester United go all the way, and win the Europa League, no one will be able to decry their achievement - regardless of the level of opponent they had to play on the route to success.
Well, no one except Liverpool fans…
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