Jose Mourinho: Man United boss explains team selection against Arsenal

Giroud’s goal, only his fourth of the season, extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions and left United with just two wins from their last nine league fixtures.

Mourinho was keen to stress how United were unlucky not to claim all three points and continued: “Of course it is two points dropped”.

“We know that other teams are prepared with much different conditions. They had no chances to win”, Mourinho said.

The arrival of Mourinho in English football in 2004 is one of the major reasons why Arsenal declined as a major force, damaging Wenger’s reputation in the process.

“We were phenomenal by the defensive point of view”.

The England and United captain received a very warm reception from the home fans as he warmed up and then when he came on as substitute for Anthony Martial after 63 minutes. It’s my team that plays against another manager’s team.

Mourinho has still to taste defeat against Wenger in 12 Premier League games – but this will carry the pain of a loss as Arsenal earned an Old Trafford draw their performance did not merit. “That is the reality”.

“I think getting back to winning games again – that is very important”, he said.

A highly animated Jose Mourinho did not hide his protestations.

“It feels like we’ve been slapped 6-0”, said the centre back who, along with Marcos Rojo, restricted the Gunners to one attempt on target – and that was their late goal.

“When you come back to 1-1 you feel happy”. What is it down to? We lacked a bit of sharpness today but at least we had a good mental response.

United’s next assignment sees them hosting Feyenoord in the Europa League at Old Trafford on 24 November. “I could be working in some of the biggest cubs in Europe and I waited for the chance to work at a club where I wanted to be”. Honestly you never know.

“Hopefully now we can kick on with some wins”.

He has scored three goals in as many appearances from the bench in recent weeks, however, and Wenger says such form could put starting striker Alexis Sanchez under pressure. “Mourinho’s view was it was a penalty and you will not be surprised by that”. Mourinho’s view is it was a penalty. I don’t hear what you’ve got to say. “I have a very good feeling with Andre Marriner, he is the kind of referee that if he makes mistakes against my team I know that there is no intention”, he added.