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Man Utd chief Ed Woodward spotted looking angry in stands at Carabao Cup
MANCHESTER UNITED executive vice-chairman Ed Woodard cut a frustrated figure in the club’s Carabao Cup exit to Derby.
Mourinho 'complimentary’ after Derby victory says Lampard
United crashed out of the tournament at the first stage earlier this evening, suffering an 8-7 penalty loss after drawing 2-2 with the Championship side.
Defeat to Frank Lampard’s men has once again cranked up the pressure on United boss Jose Mourinho, whose future at Old Trafford was in major doubt before the recent international break.
And Woodward, the man who will decide whether or not to give the Portuguese his marching orders, looked royally angry as the horror show unfolded.
United took the lead in the third minute through Juan Mata before being pegged back a wonder-goal from Harry Wilson in the 67th minute.
Jack Marriot looked to have won the contest for the visitors in the 86th minute before substitute Marouane Fellaini bagged an equaliser which briefly spared his team-mates’ blushes.
Prior to his side’s humbling loss, much of the focus was on Mourinho leaving Paul Pogba out of the starting XI.
Mourinho explained his decision in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “[They’re] rested. I gave a rest to Luke, to Paul, to Victor, to Valencia, to David.
“I gave a rest to these five players. I knew I couldn’t give much more [a rest] because Derby are a very good team.”
Despite ringing in the changes, Mourinho believes the team he selected one was which more than showed respect to their Championship opponents.
“It’s not strange, its nice. I never hide when I say he was one of best I’ve worked with,’ Mourinho said when asked about facing Lampard who he managed at Chelsea.
“He’s one of the best professionals, I wish him best for his career. Not at all strange. Still have the time to have laugh on the touchline because obviously our relationship is good.
“Frank is here to win the match and I show them respect by playing a team which I think is a strong team.”
United return to league action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the Olympic Stadium in London to take on West Ham.
Derby will also be in action on Saturday, taking on the Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium.