Jose Mourinho displayed yet more of that legendarily succinct man-management in the wake of Manchester United’s de-cupping at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
United were ousted by Derby County, who knocked their Premier League opponents out on penalties after the lively encounter finished 2-2 in normal time.
After a succession of truly excellent pinpoint spot-kicks from both teams, the shootout reached sudden territory where Phil Jones brought everything to an abrupt halt with a tame, trundling effort that was easily saved by Scott Carson.
Speaking in the tunnel after the game, Mourinho was in no mood to sugar the pill:
The penalties come and after the sixth I knew we were going to be in trouble with Bailly and Jones.
The shootout is a lottery. We missed one and we knew if we go past seven we would be in trouble.
When I see Jones walk up, I knew we were in trouble.
We were all thinking it — the moment Jones placed that ball on the spot. Everybody had an inkling.
Whether it’s wise to broadcast that particular sentiment in the wake of an embarrassing cup defeat is another matter entirely.