Jose Mourinho claims the best team lost as Real Madrid beat Man Utd

Jose Mourinho has claimed the best team lost at Old Trafford as his Real Madrid team eliminated Manchester United from the UEFA Champions League.

Tactical

United assistant boss Mike Phelan was left to face the press for the home side and revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was 'too distraught' to comment. Asked about Rooney's omission from the starting line-up, Phelan explained: "The decision was tactical. "In that dressing room, everyone was fit. But big decisions have to be made. Tonight we had the balance just right." Rooney eventually came on as a substitute but Real Madrid were already leading 2-1 by that point after goals from Luka Modric and United old boy Cristiano Ronaldo. And Mourinho told Sky Sports: "Manchester United were playing very well. They were very compact, they were very aggressive, very well organised technically and the match was very difficult for us. "I doubt with 11 against 11 we could win the match. "I had a feeling that Modric would change the match because he brought to the game some qualities that we did not have on the pitch at the time. "I am a bit frustrated because we played so well against Barcelona and today I was waiting for more. I know they (Manchester United) are giants, not just physically but mentally. I know they are fantastic and have a manager capable of organising and motivating people. "But I was waiting for us to come here and play in a different way."