Van Gaal’s stars were in our pockets, brags Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO boasted last night that he made Manchester United’s big stars ‘disappear’ after delivering a tactical masterclass that left Chelsea just two games from the Premier League title.

John Terry, who led wild celebrations at the final whistle, said: ‘It was a massive win and we are delighted with that ahead of Arsenal next week.

‘They dictated the game better than we did.

‘We have not been playing as well as we can of late but we have been grinding out results and we did that again.

‘We were delighted to see Wayne Rooney in midfield. A phenomenal player and such a threat in that role behind the striker.

‘We have dipped a bit, but we are still picking up results and that is a sign of champions.

‘It has been four years since we won the league and we are very determined. Still not done yet.’

Eden Hazard’s goal separated the sides on a day when Chelsea had just 29 per cent of the possession, the lowest they’ve

had at Stamford Bridge since records began.

Now if they beat Arsenal next Sunday, they will win the title with a victory at relegation strugglers Leicester City.

But rather than be dismayed at how much possession Chelsea conceded, Mourinho was celebrating as his plan to stifle the life out of Rooney and Marouane Fellaini worked a treat.

‘The game was exactly the game we wanted,’ said Mourinho, whose side have now surged 10 points clear of the pack and within touching distance of their first championship since 2010. ‘I loved it.

‘We were well prepared and made important players disappear. Nobody saw them. They were in our pockets.’

And when Mourinho (pictured) was told that United had enjoyed 71 per cent possession, the Portuguese beamed: ‘It could have been 99. I don’t care. We played in a certain way. When you play the game strategically, you don’t care about stats.’

United boss Louis van Gaal was angry that referee Mike Dean booked Ander Herrera in injury time for diving in the box after a clash with Gary Cahill.

But he added: ‘I am not frustrated. I am proud. Why should I be frustrated? We played the best match of the season.’