United host Chelsea on Sunday hoping to extend their 21-game unbeaten run in the league and close the gap on the top four.
The Reds bowed out of the FA Cup after a narrow 1-0 loss in the capital last month, compounding a 4-0 league humiliation in October that still sticks in the craw. It means United not only have tiredness to contend with but the fact the crucial return fixture looms large in a competition that offers both silverware and Champions League qualification.
"You say it's emotional but, for me, it's a game", Mourinho said.
"When he said "good performance" when I came off the pitch (at Sunderland) it made me feel better as a person and more confident than I already was". No different for me.
The likes of Spurs, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have all had to compete in either the Champions League or Europa League this season.
Sacked by Chelsea midway through last season's car-crash title defence, he has had two deeply unpleasant experiences on his two trips to Stamford Bridge this season.
If he really is a top talent, an extra year or two at Celtic will actually help him, or moving to a mid-table Premier League club where there is less pressure, and more chance of playing time to help him develop.
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During the second game, Chelsea supporters sang "you're not special anymore".
Earlier this year, in March, Mourinho had another pop at Antonio Conte, calling Chelsea an "amazing defensive team".
Mourinho, however, has insisted he has "no emotion" about taking on the team with who he won three Premier League titles, including two seasons ago.
United manager Jose Mourinho will field a strong side this weekend despite the game being sandwiched between the two-legged Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht.
"For me a good season is to be ready for every match and fight for every match for the best result and to defend Manchester United's prestige".
Despite not finding the net in Belgium on Thursday, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 17 league goals for United this season and Conte has been impressed. Conte was charged with restoring order in the summer and has surpassed expectations given the Blues sit seven points clear at the top with seven matches remaining.
Mourinho praised Shaw's display against Sunderland, where the defender came off just after the hour mark and was given a handshake and pat on the back by his manager.
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