Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0 RECAP as Eden Hazard wins FA Cup for Blues at Wembley
The Belgian was hauled down by Phil Jones and picked himself up to convert the penalty in what could be Antonio Conte's final match in charge
Eden Hazard fired Chelsea to FA Cup glory against Manchester United as Antonio Conte's expected farewell ended with a memorable triumph against old foe Jose Mourinho.
The 137th FA Cup final - and first utilising a video assistant referee - was not as cagey as some had feared but was hardly a rip-roaring affair as the Blues looked to atone for last season's shock finale defeat and a tepid Premier League title defence.
Mourinho came into the match looking to frustrate his former club and write his name into the record books, but Conte - subject of so much speculation regarding his future - emerged triumphant as Hazard's first-half penalty secured a 1-0 win at Wembley.
Many had fancied United to win a record-equalling 13th FA Cup on Saturday, but the Blues showed a spirit and skill level that has been lacking at times this season.
Tension behind the scenes has led to an uneasy feeling growing at Stamford Bridge, but Conte and all those clad in blue enjoyed a moment to savour as Hazard marked his 300th appearance for the club with a first-half winner.
The 27-year-old earned the spot-kick from which he scored, with United struggling to gather a coherent response and then failing to beat Thibaut Courtois after the break as Paul Pogba wasted the greatest chance late on.
It will be a memorable end if, as expected, this proves Conte's last match as Chelsea boss, whereas Mourinho sees this season's Premier League improvements tempered by the conspicuous absence of silverware.
Wild celebrations met the final whistle - and again when skipper Gary Cahill lifted the trophy after receiving it from Jackie Wilkins, the widow of former United and Chelsea man Ray.
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Giant banners commemorating Wilkins hung at both ends of Wembley as the teams emerged to pyrotechnics and anticipation - but first-half play was no match for the pre-match razzmatazz.
Both sides were wasteful in possession, but Hazard managed to fire an early shot across the bows when all too easily cutting away from Phil Jones - guilty of giving away possession in the first place - and forcing David De Gea into a near-post save.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alexis Sanchez saw appeals for spot-kicks rejected as the fragmented start continued, but there would soon be a penalty as United failed to heed their Hazard warning.
Shaky-looking Jones raced back to deny the Belgium international getting away his shot, only to end his run with a clumsy challenge that saw referee Michael Oliver give a penalty and yellow card.
Hazard dusted himself down and coolly slid his team into a 22nd-minute lead that United failed to meet with a noteworthy response.
Pogba drove wide as the Reds stumbled on meekly without a focal point given Romelu Lukaku was unfit to start. They offered very little threat until the end of the half when Jones bundled wide and Marcus Rashford had a tame attempt blocked after a rare moment of quality.
Mourinho decided against any half-time alterations but his pep talk led to an upturn in intensity.
After Rashford's threatening free-kick was punched away and an Ashley Young cross-shot flew over, the former saw a snapshot denied by Thibaut Courtois and Pogba had an attempt deflected off target.
Nemanja Matic dragged badly wide as the United hordes drove their side on, cheering what they thought was a 63rd-minute leveller.
Courtois did well to deny Jones' header from a Rashford free-kick, but the assistant referee rightly called Sanchez offside when directing home the loose ball.
That intent left gaps for Chelsea to exploit. Hazard was proving a continual thorn in the side and Marcos Alonso saw a near-post attempt denied after N'Golo Kante opened the defence.
Handball appeals against Young and a wayward Cahill header followed before Courtois impressively denied Rashford from Jesse Lingard's pass - that pair's last action before making way for Lukaku and Anthony Martial.
The latter had an attempt blocked and former Chelsea midfielder Matic stung the palms, with Pogba wasting a glaring opportunity to level eight minutes from time.
Unmarked in the box from a corner, he somehow conspired to head wide, with Matic's stoppage-time header off target the last moment of note before the blue half celebrated.
Eden Hazard's Chelsea career:• 300 games• 89 goals• 2 Premier League• 1 Europa League• 1 League Cup• 1 FA CupTriple centurion.
Courtois reacts to win
There was constant speculation about the manager and also about myself.Difficult moments and a lot of criticism on me, the last months I played very well, to end on a clean sheet is really good.I saw the ball going through [to Rashford], so I thought I had to go, but I can’t go at his feet, I stay composed, don’t turn my shoulders away, we try to work on that every week, i’m happy.I made a great save, I saved it well, then I saw Alexis, but then I saw it was offside, I made a great save.We played very well with him, I think there needs to be a clear line for the club, we need some clarity. I think this season we lacked, because of rumours, it’s not easy. We’re happy to win the trophy, but not happy to reach the Champions League.As a group, I never read papers, but you get questioned by journalists, we felt inside Cobham there was a negative spirit.I still have one year contract, I’ll speak with Chelsea, after the World Cup maybe, i love this club, but we need to see where this club is moving forward. We need some big additions, if Chelsea want to be on top, they need to show it as well.
19:38
KEY EVENTConte won't commit on future
We deserved this. We worked very hard, we missed our place in the Champions League, for a team like Chelsea, it’s a problem.We won the FA Cup, for the second time in a row we played the final. I think it’s great.I want to tell thank you to my players and staff and the fans. We deserved this success.It’s a question I didn’t want. I must be honest, I don’t know, I commit to this club, I have a contract with this club. Our job is not simple. When you are the coach of a great team, expectations are very high. This season we did our best, it wasn’t good enough to take the Champions League place. To finish this way for me is great, my players deserve this satisfaction, especially our fans deserve this satisfaction.I think you have to know the situation. The people remember who won, not who played the final. Now when we play vs a strong team, like United, or Liverpool, we have to play this way. For sure we can play better, you must know in this moment we need to play this way to win.I’d like to play more with the ball, not only to defend.This is my second season at Chelsea, last season and this season we’re working very hard, it’s not simple to build a strong mentality. Chelsea won and in the next season it wasn’t good enough, we did 120 percent, our effort was big, but it wasn’t good enough for the Champions League.It’s not my decision [to stay], it’s up to the club.
Giroud on Hazard
Yes, we have a very good understanding on and off the pitch. It’s simple to play with this player, he’s very clever, we need each other.He needs somebody to play one-two. I try to link with him.I would tell him to cross more, I was waiting for some crosses, he’s fantastic.
Giroud: I am the lucky charm
I told them I hope I will be the lucky charm.The main thing is the victory.We didn’t play our best football, to be honest, as long as we score, we played too many long balls. It was hard to combine together.It’s 1-0 and a clean sheet.
Cahill: I proved the critics wrong
We got the lead and then they pushed on, as you would expect.The lads were absolutely superb.You reap your rewards, you work hard and stay focused. People writing you off left, right and centre, yet I’m in the World Cup squad and I’ve got another FA Cup. I don’t mean that in an arrogant way, I work hard.
Fabregas on replacing that lost medal:
I lost the other one a long time ago. Another one in the collection. Very proud. The more you win, the more you want. Disappointing season, but leaving on a high, it’s well deserved.
Hazard on what it'll take for him to stay
We wanted to finish the season with a trophy. We don’t have Champions League next season, but at least we have something to celebrate with the fans. Now we need to focus, we have the World Cup, we have some days of holiday and just focus, we don’t talk about next season, just World Cup. I need Antonio Rudiger to play like this ever game and I’ll stay, I promise I’ll stay.
Hazard: It's a great feeling
It’s a great feeling today. We didn’t play a good season this year.We finished well, I’m happy for the boys and the fans today.
Scholes: Hazard was the difference
The quality of United in the final third wasn’t good enough.I think Jose’s team should be proud.The difference was Eden Hazard, he’s a real match winner, it’s something United have lacked this season.
Matic attacks a cross from deep, it drifts over!
Mourinho screaming at his team... United desperately trying to work an opening.
Corner United, last chance? De Gea up? No, Mourinho denies him the chance. Courtois gobbles that up.
It’s over! Chelsea win the cup, Mourinho and Conte embrace, sporting gesture.
Chelsea has won its eighth FA Cup title, tying Tottenham for the 3rd-most all-time.Chelsea outscored opponents 12-1 over its last five FA Cup matches.
Mata on for Jones, last roll of the dice from Jose (though he would get another sub if this goes to extra-time).
Martial drifts a cross over the bar, it’s a poor choice from him with little space to work some shape on the ball.
Meanwhile, BT Sport have given Antonio Rudiger the Man of the Match award. Alvaro Morata is coming on, the Spaniard replaces Olivier Giroud.
Free shot from Sanchez from 25 yards...
It’s dragged wide of the left post. He wants a corner, but Oliver waves away the protest.
Martial making a difference here, had a couple of blocked shots already. Seven minutes remain...
What a miss!
What a miss from Pogba!
A free header inside the box from eight yards.
It’s glanced wide of the far post. His head is in his hands, he knows what a glorious chance that was.
Matic with a stinger from range!
Courtois beats it way, he can’t hold it. Lovely hit.
Ball breaks to Martial inside the box after a corner, he can’t quite find the room to shoot, beating Moses, but then finding Azpilicueta there to block his effort.
Dangerous from United, as Martial swivels and half-volleys it towards goal.
It bounces up kindly for Courtois to gather.
Lukaku and Martial on for Rashford and Lingard.
United beginning to knock it about around 10-15 yards outside the Chelsea box.
Intricate stuff testing Chelsea’s discipline.
Lukaku stripped and ready...
Jones with a header and Courtois dives low to his left, world class save.
Sanchez there to gobble it up and equalise... but no it’s offside!
Chelsea let off the hook.
Rashford close to the equaliser, fizzes it at Courtois after a sloppy error from Fabregas.
Pogba tries an intricate pass on the edge of the area as the chance goes.
Pogba alive though now and committing challenges from the Blues.
Young fools the referee with an extremely soft foul... Moses is booked too. Not a lot of contact on the replay there.
Whipped in with pace, it’s dangerous from Young, but Courtois beats it away.
Pogba dictating now, but not able to find much movement in behind.
He plays it straight out of play.
Lukaku warming up now... Could he be the spark United need?
Heavyweight battle
One of the key battles today: Tiemoue Bakayoko vs Nemanja Matic.
The France international was the Serbia international’s replacement and has mostly failed to live up to the legacy left by Matic at Stamford Bridge.
A competitive battle today though...
Half-time
It’s half-time at Wembley, the Blues lead...
United have had a couple late chances in that half. Jones’ header at the back post after a fine cross by Young was poor.
Then Pogba made a one-two with Alexis across half the length of the pitch. A flick into Rashford inside the box provides the England star the chance.
Rudiger blocks superbly though.
Not sure how fit Lukaku is but MUFC need him on asap. They're losing everything in the air and have no one to hold the ball up. Chelsea bullying them at the moment.
Given you get a 4th sub in extra time, would be surprised if Mourinho doesn’t make change at half time.
Pogba having one of his 'can't be arsed' days today. Then again. that was the case in the first-half at Man City, so he might surprise us yet...
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Needless foul from Alexis on the edge of the area on Bakayoko.
Dangerous area to give away a free-kick, silly form the Chilean...
1 - Eden Hazard's penalty was the first scored in an FA Cup final since Ruud van Nistelrooy for Man Utd v Millwall in 2004 (excl shootouts). Spotted. #FACupFinal
Jones to the World Cup...
the sheer excellence of Phil Jones on display, I can see why Southgate chucked him on the plane
It's when I remember that Phil Jones is in the England squad that the depression really begins to set in.
When you realise Phil Jones is going to the World Cup and we have Belgium in our group who have ..Hazard..
It’s time we finally recognise that there’s a genuine possibility Phil Jones will somehow start World War III this summer in Russia.
Plenty not agreeing with the decision to award just a yellow to Jones for his challenge on Hazard.
But he certainly appeared to go for the ball, which means there is only one decision Michael Oliver could make.
Surprised at the sheer number of people who think Jones should have been red carded there. They changed the rule so that only deliberate fouls result in that.
United respond to going behind with a spell of possession.
Chelsea drop in and prepare to suffer without the ball.
Herrera mishits his shot on the edge of the area... Then Pogba can’t connect cleanly with a header from the follow-up.
Hazard composes himself, grabs the ball, vs De Gea...
Scores! 1-0 Chelsea, sends De Gea the wrong way!
Penalty Chelsea!
Penalty to Chelsea!
Phil Jones hauls down Eden Hazard after his one on one... It’s a yellow card too.
Conte is furious, he wants the red card too, but Jones attempted to play the ball.
Still an even contest so far.
United looking to press high and stop the Chelsea build-up from the back.
No clear chances yet.
Lively start here at Wembley.
A late one from Ander Herrera gets him a warning.
Fabregas can’t take advantage of the free kick and floats it into the arms of De Gea.
The Spaniard stops Hazard’s shot at the near post too after the Belgian dribbles down the outside.
Chelsea warm up
David McDonnell's preview
Frank Lampard speaks
*heart eye emoji*
Berbatov looking swish on his way to Wembley.
De Gea
David De Gea is going through his warm up regime.
Avram Glazer
United in da house
16:17
KEY EVENTChelsea team news
16:15
KEY EVENTManchester United team news
Suave Chelsea
Pedro and Alvaro Morata have surveyed the Wembley surface.
Looking good in their suits.
Where can I watch the FA Cup final?
The match will be broadcast live on both BBC1 and BT Sport 2.
It will also be live streamed free on the BBC Sport website and BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the game through their website and app.
Ander Herrera reveals Manchester United desperate to win FA Cup for legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson
Ander Herrera says Manchester United would love to lift the FA Cup for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former United boss Ferguson is continuing his recovery after suffering a brain haemorrhage, with Spanish midfielder Herrera admitting the players would love to win at Wembley for him.
United can claim a record-equalling 13th FA Cup and when asked if the players wanted to win for Ferguson, Herrera said: “It’s another motivation. We have to face a final always in the best way, it doesn’t matter what what happened.
“But of course, aside from football, we want the best recovery for Sir Alex because he’s a very special guy.
“All we know is the operation went quite well and all we want is to have Sir Alex in the stands for the final.
“I was quite surprised because he seemed very well when he was travelling with the team and he looked very very healthy.
“He’s a very respectful man when he travels with us. He tries to be always on one side, he doesn’t want to interact too well because he wants to be very respectful.
“Hopefully he recovers well and he’s back travelling with us and he’s giving us his strength. Just his presence is important for us.”
Dapper United
Here are a couple of pics of United leaving their hotel on their way to Wembley earlier this afternoon.
Looking very good.
Ander Herrera explains why the pressure really is on Manchester United to win the FA Cup against Chelsea
Ander Herrera admits the pressure is on Manchester United to lift the FA Cup today – with the prospect of both their arch rivals scooping the two biggest trophies available.
Manchester City won the Premier League title with 100 points and by a record-breaking margin, while Liverpool can claim the Champions League with victory over Real Madrid next weekend.
A City and Liverpool double would be a nightmare scenario for United, which is why Herrera admitted they cannot afford to leave Wembley empty-handed when they take on Chelsea.
“If any player in the world tells you he doesn’t care about what the opponents do, he’s lying to you,” said Herrera.
“I cannot lie to you.
“If I can choose at the beginning of the season who wins the Premier League and who wins the Champions League – if we couldn’t be champions- I wouldn’t tell you Manchester City and Liverpool.
“I respect them and I’ve never hated anyone. But I cannot lie. If I can do a list at the beginning of who I would choose as champions, if not United, then I wouldn’t choose City or Liverpool.
“But I want to emphasise that I respect them and I don’t hate anyone. Hate is not in my life.
“It’s the final game of the season, we’re playing against a top team as well, one that’s used to winning trophies as well, so it makes it difficult.
“But we finished second in the league and, if we can win the FA Cup, I think we can go on our holidays very happy.”
The Royal FA Cup Wedding
When two worlds collide.
15:33
DAVID MCDONNELLSchweinsteiger luck
15:29
KEY EVENTEarly team news
Some early team news curtesy of our man at Wembley David McDonnell:
Unconfirmed reports are suggesting Romelu Lukaku will only make the bench today, after missing Manchester United’s last three games with an ankle injury. If true and Lukaku is among United’s subs, Marcus Rashford is likely to start in a three-pronged attack with Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez.Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera are expected to form United’s midfield, with Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young in defence, with Jose Mourinho having already confirmed David De Gea will start in goal.
Cesc Fabregas must win FA Cup with Chelsea - because his dad lost winners' medal from 2005 Arsenal triumph
Cesc Fabregas has admitted he can’t find his FA Cup winners’ medal from 2005.
Chelsea’s Spain midfielder heads into battle against Manchester United at Wembley this afternoon hoping to win the trophy for a second time.
But he has revealed that the memento he received for beating United as an Arsenal player 13 years ago has been lost by his dad Francesc Snr.
“I cannot find it. I promise.” said the Blues’ star who has already won the World Cup with Spain, two European Championships, La Liga with Barcelona, the Copa Del Rey, a Spanish Supercup, the UEFA Super Cup, the World Club Cup, and, on returning to England with Chelsea, two Premier League titles and a League Cup.
“My dad used to keep them and once I grew up, one day I said, “Listen, where are all my medals and stuff?
“He nearly lost the World Cup one even! It was in my mum’s house in a box. I have nearly all of them but I’ve lost two or three.
“I found the World Cup medal. But this FA Cup one, I cannot find it!”
Blue or Red
The FA Cup is glistening in the London sun.
Programme
£10! Ten pounds! TEN POUNDS!
Now we have got that out the way here is the front cover of the programme.
Minimalist design with very little more to add.
Long sleeves
I love a jumper but even in this whether I am starting to get tempted to take mine off.
Running around in long sleeves would definitely be uncomfortable.
But one Manchester United player will be keeping his fore arms nice and warm this afternoon.
But who? Watch this little gif and find out!
Manchester United fans
United are on the prowl.
There are a couple of Mancunians drifting around the Wembley area.
Some have stood around watching the Royal Wedding, some seemed to purposefully avoid it.
Wembley Way
The sun is shining over Wembley which must mean the FA Cup final is nearly upon us.
In a couple of hours this stretch from Wembley Park underground station to the famous arch will be chocker block with supporters.
Wonderful sight.
Could today be Martial's final game for United?
David Ginola suspects Anthony Martial might be tempted into leaving Manchester United after being omitted from France’s World Cup squad.
Martial missed out when Didier Deschamps named his 23-man squad for Russia on Thursday, being placed on the stand-by list despite starting France’s last friendly game in March.
The 22-year-old’s omission comes after he was marginalised at United following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January and speculation linking him with a summer move to Chelsea.
“The main reason Anthony Martial is not in the squad is that you need to be a regular in your club before becoming a regular in your national team,” said former France international Ginola.
“Deschamps has so many options and choices - strikers like Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezemann who have been consistently good for France - that it’s not as if he has to be in there if he’s not playing.
“Players like Martial need to play and score goals for the confidence, they need to be a regular.
“If he is not a regular at Manchester United he will probably search for another club and find one if he wants to.
“But I think Manchester United is a great club for him and it’s up to him to give more in training and in games.
“If Jose Mourinho doesn’t play him more regularly he probably thinks it’s because he doesn’t give his best all the time.
“I don’t see a manager like Mourinho not playing a player who can make him win games. It doesn’t work like that.”
France’s huge strength in depth was reflected by Martial being joined on the stand-by list by Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, Paris St Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.
VAR - what is it good for? Everything you need to know...
The VAR revolution in English football is gathering pace - and it will be used in the FA Cup Final at Wembley.
And while football fans have been warned not to expect the game to be perfect they have been assured it will improve.
Here’s everything you need to know about it ahead of this evening’s big game.
How does the set-up in Uxbridge work?
The VAR — the fifth member of the refereeing team who will be in constant communication with the on-field referee — will be based there, along with an assistant VAR. Neil Swarbrick will be this week’s VAR, assisted by Peter Kirkup. Kirkup will ensure footage is still being monitored whenever Swarbrick is in touch with on-field referee. For games with 12 camera angles, there will also be one replay operator; for more than 12, there will be two replay operators.
What can they see?
They will have access to every camera angle, plus the four goal decision system cameras. Crucially, they won’t see what broadcasters show – replays etc – so will remain uninfluenced by anything external to what they see on those camera angles.
When does the VAR get involved?
This is key. Only when they spot a clear and obvious error. If they do, they need to communicate that to the referee. If they don’t, they stay out of it and let the referee’s decision stand.
Who decides when the VAR gets involved?
The VAR only. A referee can’t say, ‘I’m unsure, help me’ if they are in doubt. They have to make their decision first and if the VAR wants to get involved, they can.
How long does a VAR have to flag up an incident they have spotted?
The VAR has until the next time the game restarts to intervene. So if something like Ashley Young’s elbow on Dusan Tadic happens, the VAR might spot it, communicate that they are checking footage and if the ball goes out say, ‘Do not restart the game’ until they have dealt with it.
If the game has restarted, there is then nothing that can be done.
One exception is violent conduct, if it takes place during a stoppage in the game, officials are given two phases of play to come back to it as sometimes checking that can take a bit longer.
What incidents can a VAR intervene for?
Only four – goals, red cards, penalties and mistaken identity.
What EXACTLY within ‘goals’?
It takes, on average, 30-40 seconds to review incidents so there will be time here while the game is stopped. The VAR will look at all aspects leading up to a goal that might have been missed, including offside, any offence by the attacking team in the build-up and the ball going out of play prior to goal.
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What about red cards?
The VAR will only intervene if he thinks the referee has missed a direct red card offence, not a yellow or second yellow. However, there are three instances when the VAR can advise a referee to issue a caution. 1) If, on reviewing a penalty it turns out there is simulation. 2) If, on reviewing an awarded goal, it turns out a player has deliberately handled the ball to score. 3) If, in dismissing a player, it is proved they have been provoked into retaliating, the player who initiated the incident could get booked.
What about penalties?
Should it have been awarded or not, inside or outside the box, was it a foul by the attacker? VAR can also get involved in double touch and encroachment that has an impact, for instance a rebound being scored or cleared by a player who encroached. A keeper moving off the line is left to the on-field official.
Mistaken identity?
This is simple. Think Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs in 2014.
This would have been picked up and discipline transferred to the correct player. It can only be transferred within a team though, not from Team A to Team B.
How are incidents reviewed?
There are two types. The VAR can inform the referee there has been a factual error that does not require the referee to see the video, such as a goal being scored from an offside position. The second is the on-field review where the VAR advises the referee to re-watch footage on a pitch-side monitor and reconsider their decision. In both cases the referee will make a TV signal gesture before communicating the final decision. History shows there is one on-field review in every three games.
How long does this take?
On average from time the game is stopped to restarting it is taking about two-and-a-half minutes.
Can a referee overturn his decision based on a review?
Yes. The final decision rests with the on-field referee.
Does the referee have to change his decision if challenged?
No. If they review a decision but are comfortable with their original call they can stick with it.
Can managers or players appeal for an incident to be reviewed?
No.
What if they try to pressure referees into changing their decisions?
There is a two-stage punishment process for managers. If there is just genuine inquisitiveness, the first stage is a warning. But if they encroach on the three-metre marked area around the monitor and clearly try to influence the decision they are sent to the stands as second stage.
What about players and subs?
They are also not welcome within that three-metre area. Inquisitiveness is a warning. Any attempt to influence the decision is a yellow card.
What next?
A fairly big consultation exercise with the whole game on how best to implement VAR so by the time the summer comes around and the Premier League are deciding whether to use it next season there is a better understanding of how it will work.
Mourinho: I don't care if Chelsea fans boo me
Jose Mourinho says he does not care if Chelsea fans abuse him in today’s FA Cup Final.
United boss Mourinho enjoyed two trophy-laden spells at Chelsea, but will be Public Enemy No.1 now he is in the opposition dug-out.
A small section of Chelsea fans branded Mourinho a “judas” when he returned to Stamford Bridge with United last season. He responded by holding up three fingers to show how many titles he won.
But even though Mourinho is prepared for a hostile reaction from Chelsea supporters, he said he will never criticise them and bears them no grudge.
“If the supporters hate me, dislike me or disrespect me, that’s something I cannot control,” said Mourinho.
“But you don’t have any thoughts from me with negative words about Chelsea supporters. Not one word.
“The only thing I say in relation to Chelsea supporters is that since my first day in 2004 until my last day when I was sacked a couple of years ago, they were with me unconditionally.
“They supported me every day. They supported me every match. They supported me even on the days I was sacked – twice.
“That I will never forget because they did what I think great supporters do, which is to support their manager unconditionally until the last day.”
Mourinho has been embroiled in a verbal spat with Chelsea rival Antonio Conte this season, but said he expects a stern test today, even though it is likely to be the Italian’s last game in charge of the Blues.
“Honestly, I still don’t know what Antonio’s situation is,” said Mourinho. “Until it’s official that Antonio leaves, I don’t know.
“I’m just curious about it. In relation to the match, if it’s his last match or if it isn’t his last match, I don’t think it will change at all his approach to the game and his desire to win.”
Will it be a case of lucky 13 for Jose?
Jose Mourinho has won 12 of his 14 cup finals, and said his impressive record is down to his ‘trophy hunter’ winning mentality and love of the big occasion.
“The only thing I can say is that I like to play the matches and that is the way you have to approach finals,” said Mourinho.
“You shouldn’t go to finals less than very, very happy. That for me is the point.
“If you give me the choice of finishing the match against Watford and then going on holiday, or be working one more week to play a beautiful final, of course I would rather play a beautiful final.
“And I feel very sorry that I don’t have one more week to work until the Champions League final. Everybody wants to play finals, so when you arrive in a final, you have to be happy to play it, not nervous, not tense.
“A bit of anxiety is normal, but you have to go with happiness, and that is the only thing that is present in every one of my finals. The first one was 2002 and for so many years, that is always present. I’m happy to play the final.”
FA Cup will include fitting tribute to legend Wilkins
The widow of former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins, who died last month aged 61 will present the trophy to the winners at Wembley today.
And United boss Mourinho believes it will be a fitting gesture following her husband’s sudden passing.
“I think will be a very emotional moment for Mrs Wilkins and for all the family, for the sons, it will be very emotional and I believe that Ray will be looking at it and will be himself enjoying it,” said Mourinho.
“I know how much he was loved at Chelsea, how much he was loved at Manchester United and I think it’s a coincidence that the two clubs are playing the final, but it will be a moment that will unite the stadium, the fans of both colours and I think a beautiful moment.”
Robbie Savage: Why Jose must win the cup today
Jose Mourinho will have to face the music if Manchester United come unstuck in the FA Cup Final – and it won’t be sweet symphonies.
Runners-up in the Premier League might be good enough for Arsenal or Tottenham, but for a club of United’s stature second is nowhere.
Dull football will never win plaudits at a club steeped in traditions of enterprise and flair.
And if United finish the season without a trophy, finishing a distant second to the noisy neighbours in the title race will constitute failure.
By nightfall, Mourinho or Antonio Conte will face an uncomfortable inquest if they have nothing to show for a campaign which began with Chelsea as champions of England and United’s optimism enhanced by huge spending.
To me, it looks as if Conte has lost his mojo at Chelsea.
Instead of a dynamic coach hopping around on the touchline and diving into the crowd to celebrate goals with the fans, all I see now is a distant, rueful figure with arms folded and transmitting negativity to his players on the pitch.
Instead of the passion that used to set him apart, with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, on the touchline, Conte looks a spent force.
On the final day of the season, at Newcastle, Chelsea still had an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League – but they barely raised a gallop.
And Conte’s selection was the gesture of a man who’s had enough and knows his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end.
When he came in, and Conte took Chelsea from mid-table to champions in 12 months, he was a revelation. Now they have gone from champions to no Champions League football and, possibly, no trophies. Too often on the run-in Conte’s team has reflected his own demeanour: Sluggish, lethargic, half-interested.
Changing the coach has worked for Chelsea down the years under Roman Abramovich’s rule, and it feels like Conte’s time has reached a dead end.
United may have won the most points since their Treble-winning season in 1999, and I’m a big fan of Mourinho.
But I have to say his team’s last three performances against Brighton, West Ham and Watford bored me rigid.
If Mourinho wins the Cup, he can say he’s won more trophies than Pep Guardiola in their two seasons going head-to-head in Manchester.
But United need to beat Chelsea at Wembley because a season with no trophies, while City romp to the title with 19 points to spare, is simply unacceptable.
At Manchester United, arguably the biggest club in the world, you cannot have a team that settles for second-best playing dull football.
And if they don’t win the FA Cup, the pressure on Mourinho will be ramped up to a critical level.
Pep has signed a new contract at the Etihad, and City are only going to get stronger – playing beautiful football – so what are you going to do about it, Jose?
You can’t imagine legends like Roy Keane or Paul Scholes going into that dressing room, patting Mourinho’s players on the back and saying, “Nice one, lads – second. Job done.”
If Keane heard United players saying runners-up, 19 points behind City, was “job done” because they had qualified for the Champions League again, he would put his foot through the TV screen.
Above all, we want to see the flair players flourish in the Cup final. We want to be entertained, we want to put on a show for millions tuning in from around the world.
My concern is that two managers who are desperate to salvage a trophy from a disappointing season will try and do it by nullifying the opposition first.
It wouldn’t surprise me if it was a 0-0 draw settled by penalties when it should be all about Hazard’s skill, Willian’s verve, Romelu Lukaku’s power, Marcus Rashford’s potential or Alexis Sanchez reserving another show-stopping performance for the Cup final, as he did for Arsenal.
Special players need to flourish on the big stage: That means managers must send them out with a mandate to be bold, exciting and daring – not timid, introspective and boring.
Lukaku faces late fitness test
Jose Mourinho says he will wait until the last possible moment before deciding if Romelu Lukaku is fit for the FA Cup final.
Lukaku has missed United’s last three games with an ankle injury and has been working hard to recover in time to face Chelsea at Wembley.
Although United’s 27-goal top scorer is likely to be fit to start, but boss Mourinho said he and his medical staff will leave a decision on Lukaku until tomorrow.
“Martial is fit and Lukaku we have to wait until the last moment,” said Mourinho.
“I don’t want to lie to you and say he doesn’t play and then plays, so Lukaku we have to wait.”
Mourinho also said United’s season will not be defined by tomorrow’s result against Chelsea, irrespective of the outcome.
“People can do what they want,” said Mourinho. “The same applies to yourself.
“You can analyse the way you want to analyse and I can analyse the way I want, so everyone is free to go in the direction you want to go.
“Of course it makes a difference, but one thing is to make a difference and to consider it good or bad because of one match.
“When I analyse the work I did and the effort I put and everything we all did in the club - and that includes the most important persons in the club which are the players - I’m not going to analyse them because of one very important match.
“But I know the effort [that has been put in] and I’m not going to change my analysis of the season because of one match, not at all.”
Fabregas reveals lost FA Cup winners' medal
Cesc Fabregas has admitted he can’t find his FA Cup winners’ medal from 2005.
Chelsea’s Spain midfielder heads into battle against Manchester United at Wembley this afternoon hoping to win the trophy for a second time.
But he has revealed that the memento he received for beating United as an Arsenal player 13 years ago has been lost by his dad Francesc Snr.
“I cannot find it. I promise.” said the Blues’ star who has already won the World Cup with Spain, two European Championships, La Liga with Barcelona, the Copa Del Rey, a Spanish Supercup, the UEFA Super Cup, the World Club Cup, and, on returning to England with Chelsea, two Premier League titles and a League Cup.
“My dad used to keep them and once I grew up, one day I said, “Listen, where are all my medals and stuff?
“He nearly lost the World Cup one even! It was in my mum’s house in a box. I have nearly all of them but I’ve lost two or three.
“I found the World Cup medal. But this FA Cup one, I cannot find it!”
Fabregas, who married long term partner Daniella Semaan on Tuesday, has promised to cherish his medal if Chelsea were to salvage their season by signing off with silverware.
He added: “That would be nice. I hope today it will happen. If we win, hopefully this time I will look after the medal!”
Conte could still be sacked - even if he wins!
Antonio Conte has acknowledged he could be sacked even if he leads Chelsea to FA Cup glory.
The final against Manchester United is widely expected to be Conte’s last game in charge of the Blues.
And Conte accepts that even winning it might not be enough to save him.
He said: “As you know very well, our job is very difficult. Sometimes you can win but the club decides to sack you anyway because they have a reason to do this.”
Conte insisted it is not for him to say whether winning the FA Cup should have any bearing on his future.
“There are other people to judge your work, to judge the season,” he said.
“I don’t think I’d be the right person to say: ‘Okay, if we win I plan this situation,’ or if we don’t, ‘we plan another situation’. I’m not interested in this. I’m interested in winning the final. This is the most important thing for me, for my players.”
And the Chelsea chief reckons it is too simple to look at his trophy haul as an indication of the job he has done at Chelsea.
He said: “It’s right to separate the two things because, otherwise, if you don’t win it means you didn’t work very well.
“It means that in France, in Italy, in Germany there is only one team that has worked well or one manager who has worked well.
“We must divide these two situations. And then, I think there are people to judge your work. But it doesn’t depend upon lifting a trophy or winning a league.
“I think this is different.”
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