Manchester United were beaten by Chelsea for the second time in just over a month after Juan Mata’s late deflected goal secured all three points for Rafael Benitez’s side.
The Champions also lost defender Rafael with less than a minute of regular time to play after he kicked out at compatriot David Luiz, whose reaction left manager Sir Alex Ferguson less than pleased:
“Rafael retaliates but Luiz rolls around like a dying swan and that convinces the referee. Luiz was smiling, it’s bad”.
Ferguson also conceded that it was difficult for the players which he handed a rare start.
Anders Lindegard, Tom Cleverly and Anderson all started the game with the latter two being replaced by Alexander Buttner and Wayne Rooney respectively.
Meanwhile, Robin Van Persie has revealed that he will stick with squad number 20 for next season, after turning down the chance to become United’s new number nine.
The Dutch international said he was happy to remain with the number, partly as he feels it commemorates the historic title win achieved this season, but also commendably for the supporters, as he told the Telegraph:
“I don’t want to be harsh on the fans who have got number 20 on their kit, I don’t want them to have to buy a new shirt”.