Praise all round from Mourinho

Feb 26 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who had declared his feud with Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte to be over, praised both teams after United's 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"We beat a fantastic team, they were the champions last season, and they played well against Barcelona (in their midweek Champions League match), and they started the game very well," he said.

"So we beat a very good team, we had to be organised, everybody had to follow the game plan and have spirit."

He agreed that Chelsea were better early on.

"They started very well and when they hit the post, I was looking at my players, but it was such a lovely move, we couldn't stop it," he added.

"But we found a way to play against them, and we had a good control of Eden Hazard. Willian is an amazing player and he killed us with the goal. But we had more control of the game than them, without creating lots of chances."

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho said he did not like to pick out individuals, but had praise for most of them, starting with young midfielder Scott McTominay.

"Scott is a fantastic player, a player that is a modern midfield player, he can do everything. The only thing he's not doing yet is scoring goals, which he can, the only reason he isn't is because of the job I am giving him.

"I think in the future he can, we saw that in pre-season, but I am very happy with him today.

"Nemanja Matic also played very well in midfield, and the defenders too, and Alexis Sanchez made a huge effort too. In the second half we were more confident, I think if anyone deserved the win, it was us."