MAN UNITED 2, DERBY COUNTY 0
Manchester United had every incentive to beat Derby County in their Emirates FA Cup, third-round tie.
Manager Jose Mourinho later revealed their mini break to Dubai would have been cancelled had they been taken to a replay.
The Reds certainly took it to the wire as Jesse Lingard, who had a loan spell at Derby from the Reds, broke the deadlock with only six minutes left with Romelu Lukaku sealing victory at the death.
“That is why they celebrated the second goal. If it had gone to a replay we would not go to Dubai and they all wanted to go to the sun,” explained Mourinho.
United’s manager was confident his side would win, saying his side played well and had a good game.
But he was mindful, as he explained, how they failed to find the net at home to Southampton in their last home game, despite having huge territorial advantage and carving out numerous chances.
The cup tie mirrored that league game as United had 28 goal attempts to Derby’s 10 as they struck the frame of the goal three times.
Mourinho praised Lingard who is in a rich vein of form having scored eight goals in his last 10 games and now has 11 for the season.
He said: “It is clear evolution and Jesse is comfortable in the positions he plays. He is improving with our progressive style of play an makes him feel more like a fish in water.
“He is the opposite to Marcus (Rashford) who is training scores unbelievable goals, but in games misses chances.
“He hit the post twice and showed what he is capable of. I am not worried as his good moments will arrive.”
Mourinho added he apologised to Henrikh Mkhitaryan for hauling him off at half time.
He explained: “I felt Rashford was not going to score a goal and because of that need to play Romelu.
“I apologised to Miky at half time in front of the team as he didn’t deserve it as he was playing well,” he said.
Mourinho made five changes from the side that started the New Year’s Day game at Everton.
There were recalls for Sergio Romero in goal, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind in defence along with front players Mkhitaryan and Rashford.
David De Gea, Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones were given a night off while Marcos Rojo and Anthony Martial were on the bench.
Derby made six changes from their last match against Sheffield United on Monday with top scorer Matej Vydra among the players losing their starting spots.
United made a bright start creating three decent chances inside six minutes as Lingard blazed over, Paul Pogba shot straight at keeper Scott Carson while Ander Herrera’s header was off target.
Pogba curled another effort agonisingly wide and Rashford fired over as United maintained a vice-like grip on the game.
Carson made his first serious save in the 21st minute to keep out a free kick from Juan Mata who had been fouled 22 yards out.
It was quickly followed by Romero being called into action for the first time to athletically turn over a fine header from Martin Olsson.
United should have taken a 35th minute lead when Rashford, with a free header from six yards from Mkhitaryan’s cross, could only direct it against the upright as he held his head in hands in disbelief.
Rashford went close again moments later heading straight at Carson from Mata’s cross.
Carson produced the save of the night three minutes before the break to turn over Pogba’s free kick from 30 yards that was arrowing towards the top corner. Pogba had been fouled by Tom Lawrence.
United made a change at the break as Lukaku replaced Mkhitaryan, a move intended to provide the cutting edge they lacked in the opening period.
Derby had a chance to steal ahead shortly after the restart when Tom Huddlestone’s goalbound shot was deflected by Luke Shaw for a corner.
Carson fisted Mata’s shot out an from the recycled ball Pogba fired narrowly wide.
Derby remained a threat and a 30-yard drive from Tom Lawrence forced a decent diving save from Romero.
United made a second change midway through the half when Martial replaced Mats.
The breakthrough so nearly came when Pogba connected with Lindelof’s cross, but dragged his shot narrowly wide and when twice through Rashford.
Moved to the right after Mata’s departure, he fired in two terrific shots. The first was beat out by Carson and the second struck the far upright to his disbelief.
United were denied by the woodwork for a third time, this time Lukaku headed against the frame of the goal from six yards from Martial’s cross.
Lingard forced another important save from Carson with Pogba sweeping the rebound wide.
United made their last change with 10 minutes left when Rashford made way for Marouane Fellaini who returned after a lengthy injury lay off.
The deadlock was finally broken with six minutes left as Lingard came up with another stunning strike.
Martial’s pass was laid off by Lukaku to Lingard who from 22 yards found the top corner.
United sealed victory in the 90th minute with a classic counter attack goal.
It came from a Derby attack as Pogba cleared the ball from the edge of his own penalty area. It fell to Lukaku who charged forward and played a return pass with Martial before firing home a low shot, his 16th goal of the season.