Jose Mourinho admits his Manchester United players appeared tired and jaded in the EFL Cup final with Southampton at Wembley.
The Red Devils won 3-2 to give Mourinho his fourth overall triumph in the competiton and first major trophy with United.
As Southampton had time off in Spain to prepare for today's clash, United were busy with Europa League and FA Cup obligations and Mourinho admits his side's heavy schedule showed as the game wore on.
But he was over the moon with the fight shown by the Red Devils who led 2-0, before conceding twice, and then scoring a late winner through Zlatan Ibrahimovic to lift the League Cup.
"I think Southampton were in Spain, they were quiet, they were preparing while we were playing, travelling, playing in the Europa League, in the Premier League, in the FA Cup. We could see that," he said.
"The moment the game was broken with the 2-2, they had an advantage. I think we were lucky to be 2-0 up, but we were very unlucky to be at 2-1 because that changed completely the direction of the game.
"The 2-2 goal was a phenomenal goal, it was technically such a difficult shot. (Manolo) Gabbiadini is phenomenal, but then the game was broken and I could see the difference between (Ander) Herrera and Steven Davis.
"I could see the difference between Redmond and others. But it is something that we coped with because we were humble, the boys fought together and obviously had a bit of luck.
"The 3-2 came in a moment when it was difficult for them to react."
