Jose Mourinho thankful Manchester United came away from Rostov unscathed after draw on ‘impossible’ pitch
Red Devils battled for 1-1 result on 'impossibe' pitch in Russia and now have an advantage for return leg at Old Trafford
JOSE MOURINHO saluted his “fighters” for getting a result on an “impossible” pitch.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first-leg away goal put United in charge of this Europa League last-16 tie.
Mourinho said: “It was a very good performance in relation to the conditions. It was impossible to play better, impossible to have the ball.
“Impossible to play a passing game. It is done. There’s no injuries. We played well.
“To see my players doing this and having the humility to fight, and fight for every ball, and fight for the result is a good feeling for me.”
Midfielder Mkhitaryan added: “The pitch was awful. We have tried to win, we have played as good as we could on it.”
United now have to prepare for Monday night’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea — and then the Rostov second leg three days later.
Despite a punishing schedule, Mourinho insists he will play his strongest side at Stamford Bridge — and not one picked from Nicky Butt’s academy.
He said: “We have to make changes for sure but we can’t go to Stamford Bridge with a Nicky Butt team.
“Manchester United is too big, we are the holders of the competition.”