Jose Mourinho Says Manchester United 'Deservedly Punished' After West Brom Loss

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said his team "were deservedly punished" after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Premier League bottom side West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A single goal from Jay Rodriguez gave the Baggies all three points and also meant Manchester City were crowned champions.

Mourinho was critical of his side after the defeat, per Sky Sports (h/t Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail).

"I think we were deservedly punished because we were masters in complication. Everything was complicated, players they didn't want to play simple. There was no fluidity in our football. We gave them the opportunity to win.

"I know them, I smile. I won eight titles and I'm not in the moon because I won against Manchester City, a match that is just three points. I saw lots of people in the moon because we won against Manchester City."

United went into the game on the back of an impressive 3-2 victory over City at the Etihad Stadium last time out.

However, they put in a subdued display and rarely troubled West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster. Football writer Liam Canning highlighted United's deficiencies:

Midfielder Paul Pogba was United's match-winner against City but produced another less-than-impressive display against West Brom. He was booked in the first half after trying to handle the ball into the back of the net and replaced after 58 minutes by Anthony Martial.

Mourinho explained why he substituted the France international, per sports journalist Duncan Castles:

The hosts appealed for a penalty in the first half after Ander Herrera appeared to have been clipped by Craig Dawson but nothing was given. Their best chance of the second half was a header by Romelu Lukaku, which was saved well by Foster.

Rodriguez headed home the only goal of the game on 73 minutes after Chris Brunt's corner was nodded back across goal.

Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News blamed Lukaku for the goal:

United still had time to get back into the game but struggled to break down a West Brom side that were organised, committed and put in one of their best performances of the season.

Ciaran Kelly at the Manchester Evening News put the result into perspective:

United's performance was in stark contrast to their display against City last time out, and Mourinho's team selection is also likely to come under scrutiny.

Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard all started the game on the bench; and although they arrived as substitutes in the second half, they could not inspire another comeback.

Squawka's Muhammed Butt was not impressed to see United without their young attacking trio:

The result means United remain in second place in the table just a point ahead of Liverpool but having played a game less than the Reds.