Mourinho plays down Conte 'conversation'

JOSE Mourinho appeared to take his frustrations out on Antonio Conte after his Manchester United side lost 4-0 at former club Chelsea.

The United boss spoke at length to Conte at the final whistle, with suggestions the Portuguese had been annoyed that his Italian successor had encouraged the home support to cheer on the Blues when they were already 4-0 up.

Reports in Italian media said Mourinho told Conte: "You don't celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it's humiliating for us."

And the self-proclaimed Special One, sacked by Chelsea for a second time last December, insisted the conversation should be private, despite choosing to conduct it in front of 41,000 people and the Stamford Bridge press box.

"I speak to Conte, I don't speak to you (the media)," Mourinho said.

"It was me and Antonio and stays with me and him. Unless he wants to share."

Conte declined to do so.

"I've been a player too and I know how to behave," Conte told Sky Italia.

"I always show great respect for everyone, including Manchester United.

"There was no incident, it was just a normal thing to do. I wasn't mocking anyone, I wouldn't do that."

During his Chelsea days Mourinho once suggested the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was like playing in an empty stadium, but on this occasion the fans responded to Conte's request to increase the volume.

"It was right to call our fans in a moment (when) I was listening (to) only the supporters of Manchester United, at 4-0," Conte said in his post-match press conference.

"The players, after a 4-0 win, deserved a great clap. It's very normal."

Mourinho's afternoon began with a warm embrace from Chelsea captain John Terry, again a substitute, while his presence in the opposition dugout was secondary for the home fans paying tribute to Matthew Harding, 20 years after his death in a helicopter crash.

Pedro's opener after 30 seconds was followed by a Gary Cahill goal, a fine Eden Hazard strike and a superb first Chelsea goal for N'Golo Kante.

By then Chelsea fans were singing Mourinho's name as they once did, although this time it was in a mocking way.

Asked about the reception, Mourinho said: "I was in the game and I didn't feel it. For sure it was not negative, but no reason to be."

Mourinho was pleased with United's performance, except for the defensive lapses, while he fears Eric Bailly has a serious knee injury.

"I am afraid he is badly injured. He feels that it is really bad," said Mourinho.

United play Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.