Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United
By Amar Azam
at Stamford Bridge
 

JOSE MOURINHO’S achievements as Chelsea manager will have long since passed into folklore around these parts, but his relationship with the fans who once revered him remains thorny given the manner of his departure nearly three years ago.
 
Ugly scenes at the end of this league encounter saw the former Blues boss respond angrily as a late equalising goal denied his Manchester United side from taking an unlikely three points from this match.
 
However, in among the wild celebrations, one of Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri’s technical team was seen goading Mourinho, to which the Portuguese reacted, prompting a touchline melee.
 
Moments later, Mourinho was seen gesturing to home supporters, holding up three fingers to indicate the number of titles he had won for Chelsea in his two spells at Stamford Bridge. It was all rather undignified.
 
Mourinho said: “I did not get any respect back from the Chelsea [fans] but that is not my responsibility.

“I have a certain level of education, socially and in sport, and what I did here today I would do in Madrid, Porto, Milan. I always try to the same way. But the reactions of the fans is up to them.”

Chelsea substitute Ross Barkley had rescued a point for his side six minutes into injury time at the end of this league encounter after Manchester United, unfavoured to take anything from this match against a side boasting an unbeaten record, had taken the lead.

“Our target was three points so it’s disappointing, but to stick in and get the draw at the end shows our attitude is good,” said midfielder Barkley.

“We’ve got a brilliant bunch of lads, we’re fighters with quality. Sometimes things can be a bit low in terms of intensity because of international breaks and things like that, but we went until the end and got a draw. It’s brilliant for our confidence to remain unbeaten.”

The tests continue for Mourinho and his struggling side as they welcome Italian giants Juventus tomorrow night for their Champions League group tie. They lie ninth in the Premier League after a poor run of results.
 
Meanwhile, Sarri remained upbeat despite seeing his side drop two points on table-topping Manchester City, and Liverpool, who are in second place on goal difference.
 
Sarri’s men face BATE Borisov as they continue their Europa League campaign before Sunday’s trip to Burnley.