Manchester United are all but mathematically through to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2014.
A 2-0 victory at home to Benfica saw them maintain their 100% record in the competition this season, the goals coming courtesy of a Mile Svilar own goal and a late penalty kick from Daley Blind.
Earlier in the night, Anthony Martial and won and missed another spot kick. With Marcus Rashford replacing him prior to the award of the second penalty, the Frenchman wasn’t around to atone for his earlier failed attempt.
For a brief second, it seemed Romelu Lukaku – without a goal in six appearances – would be taking the kick. This, however, wasn’t to be. After being talked out of it by Ander Herrera, Blind eventually took it at the request of his manager.
With many in the media questioning why Mourinho ordered the Dutchman to take the penalty instead of a £75m striker, the United boss explained his decision in a post match interview. He said:
“I’m the manager and I make the decisions. He missed the last one and I want him to take a penalty when there is no pressure and there is no responsibility.
“We are playing Champions League. We need points – not even now with 12 points are we qualified.
“It [the penalty] is an important moment. 10 minutes to go, I want a player free of the pressure of missing the last one.
“I’m really happy with his personality and really happy that he wants to take the responsibility but I’m here sometimes to protect the players and to protect the team.
“At least in that moment I protected him. Maybe Blind misses, but I needed to protect him because he missed the last one.”
A penalty with no pressure or responsibility? Sure they come along all the time…
MOURINHO: – Sometimes it’s my job to protect the players.
(@JanAageFjortoft) pic.twitter.com/q3OO7ne4AU
— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) October 31, 2017
