Jose salutes important first trophy at United

JOSE Mourinho conceded Manchester United had been fortunate to beat Southampton in the EFL Cup final - but that he was relieved to have won his first trophy at the club.

The United manager also again praised the contribution of their match-winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic, before insisting he had no plans to "beg" the striker to sign a new contract.

Their 3-2 victory at Wembley Stadium not only brought Mourinho level on four League Cup victories with Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough, but it made him the club's first manager to win a major trophy in his first season there.

Success looked in doubt throughout much of a second half dominated by Southampton after Manolo Gabbiadini's second goal had made the score 2-2. Ibrahimovic's free-kick and Jesse Lingard's finish had given United the lead. Against the run of play Ibrahimovic's second, in the 87th minute, restored their advantage, before also ensuring a continuation of Mourinho's fine record in English football.

"First of all, the man that just left table (Southampton manager Claude Puel) has a reason to be really sad and disappointed," said the Portuguese.

"His team did fantastic work, deserved extra time, and to lose in the 87th minute gives very little time to try to react.

"It's a bit unfair for them. They gave us a beautiful final, a beautiful match.

"I'm obviously very happy with the victory, with the fact that I did it four times, the same as Mr Clough, and with a chance to win for a fifth time.

"The game was broken at 2-2. We were lucky to be 2-0 (up). Then 2-1 changed the direction of the game. Obviously the 2-2: a phenomenal goal. Technically it's such a difficult shot. Then the game is broken."

Despite looking glum, Mourinho reiterated: "I am very happy. I always try to put myself in the secondary position - it's important for the fans, the club, the players - but it's also important for me.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself; you put a lot of pressure on. I wanted to win a major trophy at every club; by doing that with United it's quite the sense of relief because it was a big target for me."