Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira was
a static figure as Nemanja Vidc scores the
opening goal.
Mourinho had only lost once in 13 previous games
against United boss Ferguson and famously slid along the touchline
when Porto scored in the last minute at Old Trafford five years
ago.
But he was dumped on his backside by a fourth-minute
header from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo’s clincher on 49
minutes as the European champions secured a place in the last
eight.
In doing so, United also broke a European hoodoo
because the four previous Champions League winners — Porto,
Liverpool, Barcelona and AC Milan — all went out of the competition
at this stage the following year.
The way Mourinho paced round the field before kick-off
like a lion stalking his prey, you sensed he fancied his chances.
Few managers come to the Theatre of Dreams expecting success. But
he does — and with good reason given his track record.
Instead, Mourinho got his comeuppance and a kicking
from the Italian media, who dislike him so much and cannot wait to
see the back of him. This may have hastened his
departure.
Mourinho’s destiny is an eventual return to the Premier
League and his target is Fergie’s job. This effort will not be on
his CV.
United’s aim was to knock Inter out of their stride
early on — which they did, much in the same manner as Liverpool
started against Real Madrid the previous evening.
Ronaldo scared the life out of the Serie A leaders.
Javier Zanetti and Davide Santon were so pleased to stop the wing
wizard and concede a corner that they shook hands with one
another.
But those celebrations were premature as, from Giggs’
kick, Vidic got away from the static figure of former Arsenal
midfielder Patrick Vieira to head into the corner of the
net.
It was a seventh goal of the season for the dangerous
centre-back, who missed the first leg of this last-16 clash at the
San Siro through suspension.
Mourinho, standing impassively in the technical area,
seemed to be replaying the goal in his head — no doubt reflecting
that conceding from set-pieces never used to happen at
Chelsea.
The United fans let Mourinho have it in not very
flattering terms.
Jose Mourinho hugged Sir Alex Ferguson at the final whistle but
it was really the only time that Inter Milan got to grips with
Manchester United. Mourinho’s team went out of Europe with a
whimper, not a bang, and Old Trafford serenaded them on their way
with chants of "bye, bye Mourinho’’ and "you’re not special any
more’’
