Mourinho on Manchester United's top players: They were in our pockets

Manchester United's tactics didn't surprise Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea squad.

The Portuguese manager claims he anticipated Saturday's performance from United at Stamford Bridge, and explained how his preparations led to a 1-0 victory for Chelsea.

"It was difficult, but less than you think," Mourinho told reporters. "Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot.

"When we know Wayne Rooney plays in midfield, we control his progression into the box. Control set-pieces and don't give away direct free-kicks as they have three specialists.

"Wait for a mistake and score a goal. We were able to make their important players disappear. Nobody saw them. They were in our pockets."

It's quite the contrast of opinion considering rival manager Louis van Gaal described the match as United's best performance of the season.

The loss was United's fifth consecutive against Chelsea, as they sit 11 points back of the London-based club for top spot in the Premier League.