Man United 'never kill' off games early, Jose Mourinho says after Europa scare

Jose Mourinho lamented Manchester United's inability to once again kill off a game before "the last second," but was happy with his team's performance as they reached the Europa League final on Thursday.

After taking a 2-0 aggregate lead in the semifinal with Celta Vigo through Marouane Fellaini's first-half goal in the second leg at Old Trafford, United conceded in the 85th minute and nearly allowed the Spanish club to nip the tie in stoppage time.

The result meant yet another draw for United on the night, but Mourinho could not be too upset with United one game from qualifying for next year's Champions League group stage.

"We were the best team in the first leg but we never kill, we never score goals related to the chances we have. It was an open game at home, all the pressure on our side," Mourinho told BT Sport.

"They were completely free of responsibility and gave us a very hard match. We suffered until the end and it was open until the last second. The boys gave everything they had. I'm really pleased for them.

"After 14 matches we are in the final. If we win the Europa League, I am more than happy. It would be amazing."

United will not have the services of Eric Bailly in the final following the defender's late red card following a melee with Facundo Roncaglia, further shortening United's injury-hit back line.

Mourinho praised Bailly's performance even while lamenting his loss for the final in Sweden.

"I didn't see the red card incident but Eric Bailly was phenomenal," the coach said. "The game was emotional for everyone. Some kept control better than others. Facundo Roncaglia is not new in these situations.

"And I think it was the wrong card. The wrong card is not new in this kind of situation and probably Eric was a bit naive.

"I don't know [the details of] the incident but we have lost a very important player for the final and we don't have many."

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