Manchester United suffered a shock defeat at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, with Derby manager Frank Lampard getting one over on his former Chelsea mentor, Jose Mourinho, courtesy of a dramatic penalty shoot-out win.
The day began with news that United boss Jose Mourinho told Paul Pogba that he would never again captain United due to the Frenchman’s poor attitude.
Pogba wasn’t in the squad for the Derby game, but Mourinho still fielded a very strong side against Lampard’s second-tier side.
The hosts took the lead after just three minutes, with Juan Mata netting after a fine team move.
However, United were poor throughout the contest, with Derby getting a deserved equaliser just before the hour mark, courtesy of a wonderful dipping ‘knuckle’ freekick from Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson.
Soon after, things went from bad to worse for the Red Devils, with ‘keeper Sergio Romero sent off for clumsily handling the ball outside the box.
The Rams made their extra man count on 85 minutes, with Jack Marriot heading home from close range to put them within touching distance of a famous win.
There was still time for United to haul themselves back level and set up a penalty shoot-out, with Marouane Fellaini once again coming to the rescue of his below-par side with a trademark header of his own.
The subsequent shoot-out saw a procession of deftly converted spot-kicks before, with the score poised at 8-7 to Derby, Phil Jones saw his effort saved by Scott Carson.
Here’s the shoot-out in full…
Fair dues to Lampard’s side for staying cool through the penalties and registering a magnificent away win.
As for United, the malaise at Old Trafford shows no sign of abating.
At least Pogba can’t be blamed by Mourinho this time!