Saturday 19 May 2018 17:08, UK
Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United's season will not be defined by Saturday's FA Cup final with Chelsea at Wembley Stadium (kick-off 5.15pm).
United finished second in the Premier League, a distant 19 points behind runaway champions Manchester City, but they have the chance to round off their campaign by lifting some silverware against Chelsea at Wembley.
"People can do what they want, you can analyse the way you want to analyse. I can also analyse the way I want to analyse," said Mourinho.
"Of course it makes a difference, but it's one thing to make a difference and the other is to consider the season good or bad because of one match.
"I know the positive things and the negative things so I am not going to change my analysis of the season because of the result of one match. Not at all."
Some pundits have expressed fears the showpiece could be a dull, cagey affair, especially given some of United's less-than-cavalier performances this season but Mourinho countered: "I don't understand these words of entertaining. Do you think 6-0 is entertaining? I don't think so.
"I think entertaining is emotional until the end, an open result until the end, everybody on their seats until the end, both dug-outs nervous and tense with the unpredictability of the result.
"For me as a football lover, not as a manager, that's entertaining. I think it will be entertaining."
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte reiterated his focus is on the immediate future and Saturday's final, rather than the ongoing speculation over his future as Chelsea head coach.
A fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League qualification, came as part of a season of discontent for Conte, who could still finish the campaign with a trophy if the Blues beat United at the home of football.
Speculation has been rife for the entire campaign that owner Roman Abramovich is preparing to make a managerial change this summer. If so, the Wembley date would be Conte's last as boss.
"I can say for sure this will be my last match this season," Conte said. "For me and my players it will be the last game for us. Then, as you know very well, I have a contract and I'm committed to the club."
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could play in the FA Cup for the first time this season. Willy Caballero has featured in the competition this term, but did not convince when deputising when Courtois missed the Premier League draw with Huddersfield with a back injury.
Full-back Emerson Palmieri (undisclosed) has joined defenders David Luiz (knee) and Ethan Ampadu (ankle) in being ruled out injured.
Meanwhile, United striker Romelu Lukaku needs a late fitness test with the Belgium international facing a race against time to recover from an ankle injury in order to line up against his former club.
Winger Anthony Martial, though, is fit after shaking off a knee injury.
I think the bookies are slightly edging towards Manchester United and that is perhaps due to Alexis Sanchez's record at Wembley; otherwise I don't really see them as favourites.
United have been average, Chelsea have been unpredictable. We know the managers don't have any time for each other and I think it will be Antonio Conte's final game, so his players should be fired up to give him a good send-off.
Jose Mourinho will set his side up to stifle Eden Hazard. While he hasn't been at his best, the top players have the ability to turn it on when they hit the big stage.
They have to start Olivier Giroud and, with his lethal form, I believe Chelsea have the better firepower on their day than United. If you get Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas linking up then they can create havoc.
I've never heard Jose Mourinho say second place is a good season and I think he could end the season empty-handed as well, with Conte having the last laugh before he walks away for a new opportunity.
Charlie predicts: 3-2 and Giroud to score first (180/1 with Sky Bet)
