The United boss saw Matt Ritchie prolong his winless Premier League run at St James’s Park with a 66th minute goal which eases Newcastle’s relegation worries. And the man who wants to be crowned the best behaved boss in English football heaped praise on Benitez’s side, claiming their performance was “a beautiful thing for football”. But there was nothing beautiful about his verdict on the United defending when Ritchie pounced for his first goal of the season. Record signing Paul Pogba, who produced another listless display, was hooked within seconds after failing to pick up Florian Lejeune whose header led to the winner.
“The free-kick was not even in a dangerous position,” he said. “It was far from goal. “But then I saw the Newcastle player jumping and two of mine looking at him and staying on the floor. “But we could have played for ten hours and not scored.” Mourinho has had his run-ins with Benitez over the years but the pair embraced on the final whistle and the United boss couldn’t hide his admiration of the Toon’s gritty display. “They came here to fight for a point but then found themselves one up and in that moment they went over the limits of their effort and sacrifice. “It was everything a manager likes to see in his team. “I saw it in mine after that and the desire to play to the last second, which we did. “I can imagine Benitez is more than pleased with the effort of his players.
“Were they lucky? Yes but sometimes you attract that luck with your state of mind. “They fought for their lives and that’s a beautiful thing in football.” Newcastle had not won on home soil in their previous eight league games and the Toon chief was delighted with his team’s performance. “Everyone gave everything,” he said. “We were a bit lucky at the end but deserved the three points. “This is a team that cares with players who do not give up and carry on working hard. “There was passion and commitment from all of them. “It’s good to hear Jose praising them. I am very proud and that is the way we will stay in the Premier League.”
