Jose Mourinho gives strange description of Turin pitch controversy

Jose Mourinho referred to his post-match actions as a “little thing” after Manchester United stunned Juventus 2-1 in Turin.

United produced a comeback almost as stunning as Cristiano Ronaldo’s volley to secure a late Champions League win that will live long in the memory.

The unlikely win prompted Mourinho to charge on to the field at full-time, cupping his hand to his ear, a reaction which has been criticised by Paul Scholes.

Ronaldo’s volley will be replayed again and again, but it counted for nothing as United dug deep to produce a famous late comeback.

Juan Mata’s sumptuous free-kick hushed the Juventus faithful and Alex Sandro’s late own goal secured a win in Turin that breathes new life into the visitors’ Champions League campaign, but it was Mourinho who took the headlines at full-time by infuriating Juve players and fans.

Mourinho told BT Sport: “I’m really proud of my boys because their performance was really good. Juventus had one opportunity in the first half, but everything was under control. They have fantastic players all over the pitch, of course.”

“The game was a very good game. It was top. We performed at a high level. We had about five minutes after that goal to wake up again but the team was there until the last.”

Referring to the controversy, Mourinho added: “On a beautiful Italian day, I made a little thing. I know millions are happy with the win. But I respect Juventus and the quality they have. I am really proud of my boys because they did everything.

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“A couple of our boys said in the interview at home that they were a little bit [makes gesture]… We had to come and not feel inferior. We were in a situation where we thought we needed to go to the last second of the match. The boys started really well and things were under control.

“Juventus have phenomenal players. That Cristiano Ronaldo goal was beautiful and the player [Leonardo Bonucci] that made that beautiful pass, is a central defender! They are a fantastic team with an amazing record at home.

“We have one final to play at home against Young Boys. If my mathematics is right then we qualify [only if Valencia don’t beat Juventus] so I think now I leave it to the Old Trafford people. I hope we arrive on time!

“We had an amazing escort here today – thank you to the Italian police. Hopefully we can get all three points.”