Mourinho explains why Man United were the "best team" against Chelsea

Jose Mourinho insisted that Manchester United were the better team in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

The Reds were one minute away from a famous win at the Bridge, a stadium they haven’t won at since October 2012. Anthony Martial netted twice in the second half in a fantastic display after the break.

Chelsea had dominated first half proceedings, though Mourinho insists that Man United were in the game for the first 45 minutes.

The Portuguese coach has been under significant pressure recently but United’s attacking display with a good result will reduce that hugely. He was delighted with his side’s control of the game in the second half.

“The 97-minute game was so good,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“[We were] the best team on the pitch. If you say before the match, one point at Stamford Bridge, that’s always a good result because it’s so difficult for teams to win here.

“After the game, [given] the way the game was [with United dominating the second half], it’s an awful result of us and a phenomenal result for them.”

It was a fantastic display after half-time and the kind of United performance that fans expect. As soon as Martial equalised, the Reds looked so much more confident, on an individual and team level.

Mourinho said it was different to the recent 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle because United were actually in the game before half-time, but just improved.

“[It was] different to Newcastle because against Newcastle, we were not there,” Mourinho explained. “In this match, we were there. We had the ball in the last third lots of times. We were not aggressive enough but we were there.

“Hazard was well controlled. Jorginho, I’ve never seen him play so little. We concede a goal in a set piece but we were in the game.

“We were the best team, we were calm, we had complete control.

“I’m really really pleased with everything, apart from the result.”

The result is still a good one. Most big teams would be pleased with a draw and a point away at Chelsea. That’s particularly true for United, who have a terrible record at Stamford Bridge. While it’s temporarily gutting, it was a positive showing and a possible turning point.