Man United knocked out of League Cup by 2nd-tier Derby

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Derby County manager Frank Lampard piled more misery on his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho as the Rams beat 10-man Manchester United 8-7 on penalties, while Manchester City cruised into the last 16 of the League Cup on Tuesday.

Mourinho paid the price for making nine changes in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Old Trafford before spot-kicks with Paul Pogba rested on another day dominated by the Frenchman's frosty relationship with his manager.

Phil Jones finally missed from the spot after 15 successful penalties in a high quality shootout.

"The penalties come, somebody has to miss. I knew we were going to be in trouble with Jones," said Mourinho in a barb at one of his own players.

Pogba not to captain the team

Paul Pogba looks on from the stands during the match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford, September 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

Pogba has deputized as skipper in the absence of club captain Antonio Valencia on three occasions this season against Leicester and Brighton in the Premier League and a Champions League trip to Young Boys.

However, the French World Cup winner's latest outspoken comments criticizing United's overly negative tactics after a 1-1 draw at home to newly-promoted Wolves on Saturday have provoked a reaction from Mourinho.

"The only truth is I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain anymore," said Mourinho after Tuesday's League Cup defeat to Derby County on penalties for which Pogba was rested.

"I am the manager I make these decisions, no fall out at all, no problem at all. The same person who takes the decision to make him second captain makes this decision now."

Meet with Lampard

Jose Mourinho (L) talks with Derby's manager Frank Lampard at the halftime break. /VCG Photo

Early on it seemed like the United boss would get a positive response from his much-changed side as one of Lampard's former Chelsea teammates Juan Mata slotted home the opener after just three minutes at the end of a fine team move.

However, an unchanged Derby side struck back after the break thanks to a wonderful free-kick from on-loan Liverpool striker Harry Wilson.

Moments later, United goalkeeper Sergio Romero saw red for handling another Wilson effort outside the area.

The visitors made the man advantage count when Jack Mariott headed home five minutes from time, but Marouane Fellaini looked to have saved Mourinho's blushes with a towering header deep into stoppage time.

The Derby County team celebrate victory after a penalty shoot out at Old Trafford. /VCG Photo

However, substitute United 'keeper Lee Grant failed to stop any of Derby's penalties and Jones finally faltered to compound a bad start to the season for Mourinho's men, who already trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by eight points.

"It's right up there," said Lampard when asked how the triumph compared to his highs as a player.

"You feel like you've done your work when you come to Old Trafford and go against Jose Mourinho and world class players. The feeling I got from it was immense, it's an incredible feeling for me."

Source(s): AFP