Jose Mourinho has been the subject of heavy criticism after seemingly fielding a frail side to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final. The Portuguese opted for a Phil Jones and Chris Smalling defensive partnership with summer signings Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof becoming surplus to requirement despite impressing whenever given the nod.
A late tackle by Jones on Eden Hazard in the penalty area, subsequently, gifted the Blues the only goal of the cup game via the spot kick. Contrary to popular request, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard were also featured in attack ahead of the likes of Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, and Romelu Lukaku.
PHIL JONES pic.twitter.com/XltQHll38P
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 19, 2018
Although the latter trio was given a run in the encounter and almost made an impact, their efforts could not make the needed amends. This, in turn, provoked great antipathy from the Manchester United fan base who were very active on Twitter throughout the game. Check out some of the best tweets below:
1) The only reason Phil Jones made the England squad over Lascelles, Dunk, and Tarkowski is because he plays for Manchester United.
— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) May 19, 2018
2) The only reason Phil Jones started today, per Mourinho, is because he’s in the England squad.
3) Circular reasoning doesn’t win you cup finals.
Rashford started over Martial. Jones/Smalling played over Bailly. Mourinho wants Fellaini to stay at this club. Our FB’s are terrible. Sanchez was woeful. I’ve had enough of Mourinho.
— - (@Adam11i) May 19, 2018
if United lose because of that goal, Mourinho should get sacked. imagine picking Jones over Bailly... ridiculous.
— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) May 19, 2018
PSG sack manager after winning the domestic league. Not bcoz they're crazy. It's bcoz they set high standards & do everything necessary to get there. #MUFC standards nowadays:
— AZ (@DaPrinzOfPersia) May 19, 2018
Fellaini, Lingard, Smalling, Young, Jones and the worst of them all: Mourinho. #MourinhoOut
Mourinho will say after the game that he hasn't had the time to replace Jones and Smalling but he spent £60m on Bailly and Lindelof who are fit and not playing.
— Aaron Moniz (@aaronm830) May 19, 2018
How are Jones and Smalling getting in this side ahead of Bailly? clearly a massive issue between him and Mourinho.
— Sarah Adams (@Mufc_Sarah) May 19, 2018
Mourinho has signed 2 CBs .. yet he started with Jones & Smalling ! Laughable
— Fred (@FredyTheRed) May 19, 2018
Mourinho OUT Smalling OUT Jones OUT Harerra OUT Young OUT
— Max Wilson (@maxwils16) May 19, 2018
Mourinho's ego and stubbornness cost @ManUtd that match...much better 2nd half but jones shouldn't have been near that pitch and not bringing more attackers on until the 73rd minute...and Sanchez has been woeful since arriving #ManUtd #FACupFinal #Mourinho
— Gavin Hegarty (@GavHegarty) May 19, 2018