Jose Mourinho: Chelsea made Manchester United's important players disappear

Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea made Manchester United players disappear during their 1-0 victory over the Red Devils.

The 20-times English champions dominated the game with possession, but it was Eden Hazard's goal that was the difference between the two teams in the end. United manager Louis van Gaal admitted that it was his side's best performance of the season.

The visitors were without two key players Michael Carrick and Daley Blind, which forced Van Gaal to deploy Wayne Rooney in the midfield.

Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid boss hailed left-back Cesar Azpilicueta as the Spain international was the man of the match for Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician revealed the Blues were prepared for Van Gaal's tactics as he went on to claim United's key players were in their pockets.

"We prepared for it to be like this. It was the game we wanted and expected. It was difficult, but less than you think. Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot," Mourinho explained.

"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," he added.

With the latest win over United, Chelsea have extended their lead at the top of the table. They have 76 points from 32 games and 10 points ahead of second place Arsenal. Despite the lead, Mourinho insists Chelsea are still not in a celebrating mood unless they cross the finish line.

"We are not celebrating. Football is not about 'ifs' and 'almost', it is about mathematics. When it is done, it is done, and until that moment we don't celebrate," Chelsea manager said.

"The celebration is because we have beaten one of the biggest clubs in the world. The celebration is because they have everything to win that game and the result is because of the work they did all week to prepare for this game. I feel we are almost there but there are no 'almosts' in football," he concluded.