Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Manchester United deserves all three points in his team's defeat against bitter rivals Red Devils.
The Blues suffered a 2-1 setback in the hand of Erik ten Hag men in a Premier League matchday 15 at the Old Trafford on Wednesday, December 6.
Following their loss, Mauricio Pochettino blamed Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by the Red Devils on his players being weakened but acknowledges that it is not an excuse for failing to match the Man United's stability and aggression.
Manchester United began brilliantly and had a penalty in the 9th minute, but Bruno Fernandes was denied by the Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring for the home team in the 19th minute, but Cole Palmer redeemed parity for the visitors before half-time. However, a McTominay effort in the 69th minute, secured Ten Hag's side and earned all three points.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke after the match and stated the factors that stood out in his post-match estimation of his team's defeat.
He said; "We didn't start the match well and maybe that can be expected because of the last couple of days".
"We couldn't match the energy of Manchester United but they had an extra day to recover. We missed the energy and the possibility to change the game. That was a problem and it happens sometimes. That is football.
"Full credit to Manchester United. They deserved the victory and were better than us but we were close. We need to be focussing on the next game".
He added; "We need to be more clinical in the places like Old Trafford. We conceded the second goal and it was more difficult. We need to make better decisions.
"I think they pushed us to play in our half in the first half but then I think we were better and played a little bit better. It's hard with all of the emotion out there".
The West London club side have had to fight an extended injury list so far this season and have also seen crucial players ruled out, and some serving suspensions, with Conor Gallagher missing Wednesday's game after being sent off during their victory against Brighton at the weekend.
Chelsea currently have a long list of injuries with Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ben Chilwell, all currently side-lined.
But coach Pochettino turned his thinking to their opponents, claiming that Man United had a little longer in between games, following their 1-0 setback by Newcastle United on Saturday, November 2.
Man United, on the other hand, have been in the spotlight this week after the Red Devils restricted numerous journalists from coming to Erik ten Hag's press conference.
The Dutch manager declared that he enjoyed watching his team on Wednesday night when reflecting on the game, he added that there's a long way to go to hit their best.
What's next for Chelsea and Man United?
Chelsea will now shift attention to their next fixture in the Premier League against relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday, December 10.
Man United, on the other hand, will be looking forward to building on their recent success when they lock horns against Bournemouth on Saturday, December 9.
The Blues suffered a 2-1 setback in the hand of Erik ten Hag men in a Premier League matchday 15 at the Old Trafford on Wednesday, December 6.
Following their loss, Mauricio Pochettino blamed Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by the Red Devils on his players being weakened but acknowledges that it is not an excuse for failing to match the Man United's stability and aggression.
Manchester United began brilliantly and had a penalty in the 9th minute, but Bruno Fernandes was denied by the Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring for the home team in the 19th minute, but Cole Palmer redeemed parity for the visitors before half-time. However, a McTominay effort in the 69th minute, secured Ten Hag's side and earned all three points.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke after the match and stated the factors that stood out in his post-match estimation of his team's defeat.
He said; "We didn't start the match well and maybe that can be expected because of the last couple of days".
"We couldn't match the energy of Manchester United but they had an extra day to recover. We missed the energy and the possibility to change the game. That was a problem and it happens sometimes. That is football.
"Full credit to Manchester United. They deserved the victory and were better than us but we were close. We need to be focussing on the next game".
He added; "We need to be more clinical in the places like Old Trafford. We conceded the second goal and it was more difficult. We need to make better decisions.
"I think they pushed us to play in our half in the first half but then I think we were better and played a little bit better. It's hard with all of the emotion out there".
The West London club side have had to fight an extended injury list so far this season and have also seen crucial players ruled out, and some serving suspensions, with Conor Gallagher missing Wednesday's game after being sent off during their victory against Brighton at the weekend.
Chelsea currently have a long list of injuries with Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ben Chilwell, all currently side-lined.
But coach Pochettino turned his thinking to their opponents, claiming that Man United had a little longer in between games, following their 1-0 setback by Newcastle United on Saturday, November 2.
Man United, on the other hand, have been in the spotlight this week after the Red Devils restricted numerous journalists from coming to Erik ten Hag's press conference.
The Dutch manager declared that he enjoyed watching his team on Wednesday night when reflecting on the game, he added that there's a long way to go to hit their best.
What's next for Chelsea and Man United?
Chelsea will now shift attention to their next fixture in the Premier League against relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday, December 10.
Man United, on the other hand, will be looking forward to building on their recent success when they lock horns against Bournemouth on Saturday, December 9.