A day after Liverpool had been bundled out of the competition by Southampton, United progressed with a 3-2 aggregate win over Hull City despite losing 2-1 in Thursday’s second leg.
Klopp said the wind had made conditions difficult in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Southampton on Wednesday and Mourinho made an acerbic reference to that remark when he was asked if United were the favourites for the trophy.
“I don’t think we are favourites against nobody,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where we play, against who, we are never favourites. Normally the stadium is windy and it’s difficult.”
Mourinho also tried to claim that his team’s unbeaten record remained intact despite their defeat at Hull, who prevailed on the night courtesy of Oumar Niasse’s 85th-minute goal.
It was United’s first loss in 18 matches, but having disagreed with the decision that led to Tom Huddlestone putting Hull ahead from the penalty spot, Mourinho claimed the outcome had been invalid.
“We didn’t lose. It was 1-1. I only saw two goals,” the United manager told his post-match press conference at a chilly KCOM Stadium.
“I saw (Paul) Pogba’s goal and their (second) goal was a fantastic goal. Great action, great cross and the guy in the far post coming. 1-1.”
Huddlestone put Hull in front in the 35th minute after Marcos Rojo was adjudged by referee Jon Moss to have tugged Harry Maguire’s shirt.
Mourinho refused to divulge his thoughts on the penalty, but suggested United’s control of the tie had been unfairly taken away by Moss.
“I don’t want to speak about the penalty, but I don’t want also to speak about the performance,” said the Portuguese, whose side will tackle Southampton at Wembley on February 26.
“Because to speak about the performance again, I have to say the game was in the pocket, the game was under control and something happened to open the game.”
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