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    Jose Mourinho: 'I Hope We Arrive on Time' for 'Final' vs. Young Boys

    Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistNovember 8, 2018

    TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 07: Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho looks on during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between Juventus and Manchester United at on November 07, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
    Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

    Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Young Boys is a "final" and expressed his hope the team get there on time.

    United came from behind to beat Juventus 2-1 on Wednesday to potentially put them within three points of qualifying for the knockout phase, but the Red Devils have been delayed in arriving to both of their European home matches this season.

    Mourinho told BT Sport (h/t MailOnline's Will Griffee):

    "We have a final now to play at home. We thought we would have two finals but now we have one final. If we win that final against Young Boys, if my maths is right—we qualify. I hope we arrive on time.

    "We had an amazing escort here, thanks to the Italian police, let's hope we arrive on time, get the three points and qualify."

    If United win against Young Boys on November 27 and Valencia fail to beat Juventus in Turin, Mourinho's side would secure a place in the knockout phase.

    Few would have expected the Red Devils to be in such a position, particularly after Cristiano Ronaldo fired Juventus in front on Wednesday.

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    It's a position the Italian side rarely lose from, as OptaPaolo highlighted:

    OptaPaolo @OptaPaolo

    3 - This is only the third time Juventus have lost a home Champions League game from leading situation (1-4 in 2009 against Bayern München and 2-3 in 1999 against Manchester United). Drop. #JuveMUFC https://t.co/XS9Ec8SLA9

    Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News provided yet more impressive context to United's victory:

    Samuel Luckhurst @samuelluckhurst

    United became the first English club to beat Juventus in their new stadium last night. Chelsea and City lost while Spurs drew. #mufc only English side to have beaten Juve in Turin this century.

    The win could change the outlook of the Red Devils' season, but it's important United make it count by seeing off Young Boys at home.

    In the past, such a result would scarcely be in doubt, but this United side have slipped up and failed to beat the likes of Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Valencia at home this season, so it's far from guaranteed.

    United have yet to win at home in the Champions League this season, having been held to a 0-0 draw by Valencia and then lost 1-0 to Juve.

    What won't have helped in their preparations for those matches is that United were delayed in getting to Old Trafford on both occasions. For the former, kick-off had to be put back, and they were fined £13,000 by UEFA as a result.

    Mourinho will want the team's preparation for their "final" to be as smooth as possible, so it's imperative they ensure there are no complications prior to the match.